Tinubu submits N1.481tr Rivers budget to NASS

President Bola Tinubu has submitted a formal request to the National Assembly, seeking urgent consideration and approval of the 2025 budget for Rivers State, totalling N1.481 trillion.

The request follows the Supreme Court’s nullification of the state’s previously passed budget and the imposition of emergency rule in the state, which led to the suspension of democratic institutions, including the state’s House of Assembly.

In his letter to the federal legislature, the President explained that the move became necessary due to the legislative vacuum in Rivers, following the declaration of emergency rule on March 18, 2025. On the same day, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State Assembly for six months.

To fill the administrative gap, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Sole Administrator, while the National Assembly assumed legislative oversight of the state, in accordance with the powers granted under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Breakdown of the proposed budget includes: N324 billion for infrastructure development,  N166 billion for healthcare services, N75.6 billion for education, N31.4 billion for agriculture

President Tinubu noted that the agricultural component of the budget is projected to create approximately 6,000 jobs.

Tinubu emphasized the importance of timely approval to ensure governance continuity and socio-economic stability in Rivers State.