The Nigerian Senate has passed the ₦1.481 trillion Appropriation Bill for Rivers State through its second reading, as part of the ongoing emergency governance measures implemented in the state. President Bola Tinubu submitted the budget proposal to the Senate, citing the need to maintain essential public services following a political crisis that led to the declaration of emergency rule in March 2025. The Senate referred the bill to its Committee on Emergency Rule, led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, for further review and reporting within two weeks.
The budget outlines allocations to key sectors to restore governance and public services in Rivers State. Infrastructure is set to receive over ₦324 billion, while ₦166.5 billion (14.4% of the total budget) is allocated to healthcare. Education is assigned ₦75.6 billion, agriculture ₦32 billion, and youth and women empowerment programs ₦6.2 billion and ₦5.2 billion respectively. The funding is expected to support the construction and completion of public works, hospitals, digital centers, and free basic education initiatives. It is also projected to generate around 6,000 jobs, with revenues sourced from FAAC, IGR, VAT, mineral funds, and federal refunds.
The emergency rule was triggered by a severe political conflict between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s factions, resulting in violence, institutional breakdown, and the impeachment of the State House of Assembly Speaker. The Federal Government, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, suspended the state legislature and transferred legislative authority to the National Assembly. The current budget aims to stabilize the state’s governance structure and ensure continued delivery of public services during the emergency period.
