Nigeria’s Senate has passed a N1.48 trillion appropriation bill for Rivers State, marking a significant financial step in managing the oil-rich region under emergency administration.
The budget, proposed in May by President Bola Tinubu, was approved during Wednesday’s plenary after the Senate considered a detailed report by its ad hoc committee on Rivers State. The report was presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who chairs the committee.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the bill’s approval after it scaled its third reading and passed a voice vote with no objections from lawmakers on Wednesday.
According to the committee, the 2025 budget focuses on urgent interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security, as the state navigates a period of political transition and emergency governance.
The budget allocates N1.077 trillion to capital projects, N287.38 billion to recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and N120.8 billion to debt servicing.
During the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central raised concerns over a N147 billion pension deficit. While praising the inclusion of N50 billion to address pensions and gratuities, he urged that the funds be released swiftly and used transparently.
“I’m delighted with the N50 billion provision, but the pension issue must be treated as a priority,” Ningi said. “Many retirees depend on these payments.”
The budget now awaits presidential assent before implementation.
On June 11, Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator overseeing Rivers State, said the budget also includes provisions for suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political officeholders, in preparation for their possible return.
“The draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors,” Ibas stated, noting that some had already received funding during the first quarter of the year.
The emergency administration in Rivers State was introduced following political tensions and governance challenges. The budget is expected to support service continuity while the state works toward a return to constitutional order.