N’assembly passes N1.48trn Rivers budget for second reading

The national assembly has passed the N1.48 trillion 2025 appropriation bill for Rivers state for second reading.

Presenting the bill in the red chamber, Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader, said lawmakers assumed legislative powers over Rivers following the declaration of emergency rule in the oil-rich state.

He said the budget was put together to sustain government operations under the emergency governance structure.

He added that the appropriation would promote inclusive growth and raise the standard of living for residents.

According to the bill, N120.8 billion was allocated for debt servicing, while N287.3 billion was for recurrent non-debt expenditure. The largest component of N1.07 trillion was earmarked for capital projects.

In his contribution, Solomon Adeola, senator representing Ogun west, backed the budget’s swift passage.

“Mr President, I don’t know under what topic this document is christened, but I could see it is about a budget of the state of emergency,” Adeola said.

“I hereby support that the budget be passed for second reading so that the people of Rivers can feel the presence of government.”

Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill when it was put to a voice vote by Godswill Akpabio, the senate president.

The bill was referred to the ad hoc committee on Rivers state of emergency for further legislative action.

The bill also passed second reading at the house of representatives.

RIVERS EMERGENCY RULE

President Bola Tinubu had written to both chambers of the national assembly seeking approval for the bill.

The president said the request was in line with the constitutional provision for the national assembly to assume legislative duties in states under emergency rule.

Tinubu said the funds would be used to support education, agriculture and provide free public services to citizens under the emergency administration.

On March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following months of political unrest.

He suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers house of assembly for an initial period of six months.

Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Eket Ibas, a former naval chief, as the sole administrator of the state.

Subsequently, both chambers of the national assembly constituted separate ad hoc committees to oversee activities in Rivers state.