Onyeche Wofurum Igwe
The Rivers State Appropriation Bill for 2025 has passed its Second Reading in the Senate. The bill seeks to authorize the expenditure of N1.481 trillion from the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ending December 31, 2025.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the Joint National Assembly Ad-hoc Committee to Oversee Emergency Rule in Rivers State, presented the Lead Debate on the Bill.
The bill’s passage came after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025 and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Ordu, for six months. Vice Admiral Ibot-Ette Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator of the state for six months.
Bamidele recalled the circumstances that led to the Senate’s involvement in appropriating funds for Rivers State. He noted that the budget submission follows the declaration of Emergency Rule and the nullification of the state’s 2025 budget by the Supreme Court.
He emphasized that the budget is specifically for the Emergency Rule Government of Rivers State, aimed at providing essential infrastructure development. He highlighted key allocations, including over N324 billion for road projects and public transportation, and nearly N32 billion for agricultural transformation.
The budget also allocates over N75.6 billion for improving learning environments and ensuring access to free basic education. The Health sector will receive N166.5 billion for major healthcare projects, including completing zonal hospitals and general hospitals.
Additionally, N6.2 billion has been allocated for Youth Empowerment, while the Women Affairs Ministry has N5.2 billion earmarked for social inclusion.
Bamidele itemized the funding sources for the Budget, including FAAC allocations, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and Statutory allocations.
He appealed to his colleagues for expeditious passage of the Bill, considering its focus on employment generation and improvement in living conditions for the people of Rivers State. He also emphasized that the budget prioritizes investment in critical sectors, including Infrastructure, Health, Education, and Agriculture.
The budget aims to promote inclusive growth and development, with a focus on sustainable economic expansion and improved living conditions for residents. Senator Bamidele noted that the budget is projected to generate approximately 6,000 jobs in the Agriculture sector.
The Senate’s passage of the bill is a significant step towards ensuring the effective governance of Rivers State during the emergency rule period. The bill’s provisions are expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy and the lives of its residents.
