President Bola Tinubu has submitted the 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State to the National Assembly for consideration, following the suspension of the state’s House of Assembly.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Akpabio, the proposed budget totals ₦1.481 trillion, with major allocations aimed at revitalizing key sectors.
The infrastructure has a total of N324 billion earmarked for it, while the health sector has a total of N106 billion, including N5 billion for free malaria drugs.
The sun of N76.6 billion was earmarked for the education sector, agricultural development has a total of N31.4 billion
The budget focused on strategic investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture, aiming to generate approximately 6,000 new jobs.
President Tinubu has requested expeditious consideration from the Senate.
The Senate has referred the bill to its Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule for review and reporting.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, due to political squabbles between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly members loyal to Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike.
The President suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members for six months, appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator.
It’s worth noting that Governor Fubara had previously presented a N1.188 trillion budget for 2025, which was signed into law.
However, President Tinubu’s submission of a new budget to the National Assembly has raised questions about the legitimacy of the budget process under the current emergency rule.
