President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the 2025 Rivers State budget proposal worth ₦1.481 trillion to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
The budget request was presented to lawmakers on Thursday when Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read the President’s communication during the day’s plenary session.
This development follows significant political changes in Rivers State earlier this year. On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a period of six months.
The presidential action came amid what Tinubu described as a protracted political crisis that had engulfed the oil-rich state. In response to the deteriorating situation, the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
To ensure continued governance during the suspension period, Tinubu appointed former naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.
The transmission of the substantial budget proposal to the National Assembly represents a crucial step in ensuring continuity of government operations and development projects in Rivers State under the emergency administration.
The ₦1.481 trillion budget will now undergo legislative scrutiny through the established parliamentary processes, including committee reviews and public hearings, before final passage by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Rivers State, being one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states, contributes significantly to the country’s revenue base, making the timely passage of its annual budget critical for both state and national economic planning.
Further details regarding the budget breakdown and specific allocations are expected to emerge as the legislative review process commences in the coming days.
