The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill for second reading, authorizing the release of ₦1.48 trillion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for Rivers State’s 2025 fiscal year budget. Titled “A Bill for an Act to Authorise the Issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State,” the legislation was presented during plenary by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The proposed budget allocates ₦120.8 billion for debt servicing, ₦287.3 billion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and ₦1.07 trillion for capital expenditure. According to Bamidele, the budget is structured to ensure seamless government operations under the current emergency governance framework in Rivers State while promoting inclusive growth and improving residents’ living standards.
The bill has been referred to the Senate’s ad hoc committee on Rivers emergency rule for further review, with a directive to report back within two weeks.
The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, during a nationwide broadcast. Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period, stating that the escalating political crisis in the state necessitated urgent action.
In response, Tinubu appointed and swore in retired Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas as the sole administrator for the oil-rich Niger Delta state. This marks the first emergency rule declaration in Nigeria since May 14, 2013, when former President Goodluck Jonathan imposed a similar measure on Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states due to insurgent activities in the northeast.
The Senate’s swift action on the Rivers State budget underscores the urgency of stabilizing governance in the state amid ongoing political challenges. Further updates are expected as the ad hoc committee concludes its review.
