Senate Approves Tinubu’s N1.48trn Emergency Budget for Rivers State

The Senate has approved the 2025 Rivers State budget totaling N1.48 trillion, marking a significant federal intervention under the ongoing emergency administration in the state.

The budget, proposed by President Bola Tinubu, was passed during Wednesday’s plenary session after lawmakers debated its general principles at the Committee of Supply.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced its passage following a voice vote, which saw majority support from senators.

The Chairman of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, presented the committee’s report.

He outlined the proposed allocations, which include N120 billion for debt servicing, N287 billion for recurrent non-debt expenditure, and N1 trillion for capital projects.

The emergency budget is aimed at tackling critical developmental challenges in Rivers State, particularly in the sectors of infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security.

President Tinubu forwarded the appropriation bill to the National Assembly in May 2025, requesting urgent legislative approval to stabilise governance and accelerate socio-economic recovery in the state.

The passage of the budget is expected to enhance federal presence and development efforts in the oil-rich state amid ongoing administrative challenges.