President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a ₦1.481 trillion appropriation bill for Rivers State to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, citing the recent Supreme Court decision that voided the state’s 2025 budget.
In a letter to the legislature on Thursday, President Tinubu explained that the request follows the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. Under such circumstances, the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to assume the legislative responsibilities of the state House of Assembly, which is currently not in session.
The proposed budget outlines significant allocations, including ₦324 billion earmarked for infrastructure development, ₦166 billion for the health sector, ₦75.6 billion for education, and ₦31.4 billion designated for agricultural initiatives.
President Tinubu emphasized the strategic importance of the agricultural sector in the proposed plan, noting that it is projected to create around 6,000 new jobs. He urged lawmakers to expedite the review and passage of the budget in order to facilitate stability and development within the state.
The President’s move comes amid ongoing political and legal upheavals in Rivers State, with governance now under federal oversight due to the declared emergency.
Further developments are expected as the National Assembly deliberates on the budget proposal.
