Tinubu Forwards ₦1.481 Trillion Rivers Budget to NASS for Approval

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has formally presented a ₦1.481 trillion 2025 budget proposal for Rivers State to the National Assembly, following the Supreme Court’s nullification of the state’s earlier budget and the ongoing legislative vacuum due to the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

In a letter addressed to the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday, President Tinubu cited constitutional provisions that empower the National Assembly to take over legislative functions in any state under emergency rule. With the Rivers State House of Assembly currently suspended, the President said it had become necessary for the federal legislature to assume responsibility for appropriations to ensure governance continues uninterrupted.

According to the proposed budget breakdown, ₦324 billion is earmarked for infrastructure, ₦166 billion for health, ₦75.6 billion for education, and ₦31.4 billion for agriculture. The President emphasized that the agricultural allocation is projected to create over 6,000 jobs, contributing to economic stability and food security in the state.

Tinubu appealed to the lawmakers to give the proposal urgent consideration, stressing the importance of timely fiscal intervention in Rivers State amid the ongoing governance crisis.

This development comes in the wake of heightened political tensions in Rivers State, where power struggles and legislative disputes led to the emergency declaration. The Supreme Court had earlier invalidated the state’s 2025 budget passed under controversial circumstances, prompting federal intervention.