The Nigerian Senate has approved the Rivers State 2025 budget for its second reading, marking an important step in managing the state’s finances amid an ongoing State of Emergency.
The budget, which totals ₦1.48 trillion (₦1,480,662,592,442), was presented to the Senate on Wednesday by the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele. He explained that the Senate has taken over legislative powers for Rivers State following the declaration of a State of Emergency in the state by the federal government.
Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan voiced strong support for the budget, stressing the need for swift approval to ensure that the people of Rivers State begin to experience the benefits of governance despite the emergency. “Mr. President, I am not exactly sure under what title this document is categorised, but from what I can see, it pertains to a budget under the state of emergency. I hereby support its passage for second reading so that the people of Rivers can feel the presence of government,” he said.
There was no opposition to the motion. Consequently, Senate President Godswill Akpabio conducted a voice vote and referred the budget to the Ad-hoc Committee on Overseeing the Rivers State of Emergency for further review and legislative action.
The approval comes as part of broader efforts by the National Assembly to stabilize Rivers State amid security and governance challenges that led to the declaration of the emergency.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Senate announced that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, alongside other senior state officials, would appear before a Joint National Assembly Ad-hoc Committee. The officials are expected to defend and provide detailed explanations of the state’s 2025 budget during the committee session.
This move underscores the federal government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in managing the affairs of Rivers State during this critical period.
The State of Emergency declaration placed the governance of Rivers State temporarily under federal control, with the National Assembly assuming legislative responsibilities usually held by the state House of Assembly.
The prompt approval and ongoing scrutiny of the budget signal the Senate’s intention to fast-track interventions aimed at improving living conditions and addressing urgent needs of Rivers State residents.
