PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly (NASS) to consider and approve the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill, totalling N1.48 trillion.
The request was conveyed in separate letters addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas during Thursday’s plenary sessions in Abuja.
The letter, titled: “Forwarding of Rivers State Government 2025 Appropriation Bill for Consideration by the National Assembly,” cited the ongoing state of emergency in Rivers, which was proclaimed in March 2025.
President Tinubu noted that under Regulation 4, Sub-section 2 of the Emergency Rule 2025, expenditure from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund requires authorization.
“In the absence of a functional State House of Assembly, the National Assembly is expected to act on its behalf,” the letter stated.
Key Allocations in the Proposed Budget:
- N324 billion for infrastructure (ongoing and new projects)
- N166 billion for the health sector, including N5 billion for free malaria and common ailment drugs
- N75.6 billion for education
- N31.4 billion for agriculture, projected to generate 6,000 jobs
President Tinubu emphasized that the budget prioritizes critical sectors to stimulate economic growth and development in Rivers State. He urged the lawmakers to expedite their review, stating:
“I hereby forward the Rivers State Government 2025 Appropriation Bill and trust that it will receive the expeditious and auspicious consideration of the Senate.”
Senate and House Referral
Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers, directing them to report back promptly.
Similarly, Speaker Abbas read the request before the House of Representatives for deliberation.
Background on Rivers State Emergency Rule
The state of emergency was declared on March 18, 2025, following escalating political and security challenges in the oil-rich state.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas was appointed as Military Administrator to oversee affairs during the six-month emergency period.
The move aligns with Section 11(4) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to legislate for a state whose legislature is unable to function. (NAN)
