By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Senate, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 passed the Rivers State 2025 budget for its second reading.
The budget, totaling ₦1.48 trillion, was passed for a second reading after it was presented by Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi and swiftly approved through a voice vote led by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Bamidele, in his address on the floor, stated that the budget is designed to ensure smooth government operations under an emergency governance structure in the state.
He further underscored that the proposal aims to promote inclusive growth and development with a focus on improving the standard of living for residents.
Following the decision of the Senate, the budget has been referred to the Ad-hoc Committee overseeing the Rivers State of Emergency for further deliberation.
The Senate also directed the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to defend the budget before a joint National Assembly committee.
This move comes as Rivers State grapples with a state of emergency, prompting the Senate to assume legislative responsibilities for the state.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had written to the Senate and the House of Representatives, seeking the consideration and approval of ₦1.48 trillion Appropriation bill for Rivers State
The budget allocates ₦324 billion for infrastructure, ₦166 billion for health, ₦75.6 billion for education, and ₦31.4 billion for agriculture, with an ambitious goal of creating 6,000 jobs.
Also, ₦120.8 billion is earmarked for debt servicing,₦287.3 billion is allocated for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and ₦1.07 trillion is designated for capital expenditure.
