The Senate is set to debate the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill, which seeks to authorize the expenditure of N1.481 trillion from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund. The bill is necessitated by the Emergency Rule declared in the state in March 2025, following the nullification of the state’s 2025 budget by the Supreme Court.
The budget proposal, presented by Senate Leader Bamidele Michael Opeyemi, prioritizes investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture. Key allocations include: N324 billion for infrastructure development, including road projects and public transportation upgrades; N166.5 billion for healthcare projects, including completing zonal hospitals and general hospitals.
Others include: N75.6 billion for education, focusing on improving learning environments and ensuring access to free basic education; N32 billion for agricultural transformation to boost youth engagement in farming; N6.2 billion for youth empowerment, including digital resource centers and sports development and; N5.2 billion for women’s affairs and social inclusion.
The budget aims to promote inclusive growth and development, with a focus on sustainable economic expansion and improved living conditions for residents. Funding sources include FAAC allocations, internally generated revenue, statutory allocations, mineral funds, VAT, and refunds.
Sen. Bamidele urged his colleagues to support the second reading of the bill, emphasizing the need to stabilize the state, restore critical services, and improve livelihoods. The Senate’s approval of the bill will enable the Emergency Rule government to access funds for essential services and drive development in Rivers State.
