President Bola Tinubu Submits N1.48 Trillion Budget Proposal for Rivers State to National Assembly
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented a N1.48 trillion budget proposal for Rivers State to the National Assembly for consideration and approval. This significant move follows the Supreme Court’s nullification of a previous budget, which necessitated the President’s intervention to ensure fiscal continuity and governance in the state. The submission has sparked widespread interest, as it underscores the federal government’s role in addressing critical budgetary issues in one of Nigeria’s key economic states.
The budget proposal, described as a comprehensive financial plan for Rivers State, aims to address critical sectors vital to the state’s development. According to details from the proposal, the budget allocates substantial funds to infrastructure, healthcare, and other key areas to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents. Specifically, the budget earmarks ₦324 billion for infrastructure development, reflecting a strong commitment to improving roads, transportation, and other physical assets crucial for economic activity in the oil-rich state. Additionally, ₦166 billion has been allocated to the health sector, emphasizing the need to strengthen healthcare services, upgrade facilities, and enhance access to quality medical care. Another ₦75.6 billion is designated for other critical sectors, including education, agriculture, and social welfare programs, aimed at fostering inclusive growth and addressing the needs of the state’s diverse population.
The Supreme Court’s decision to nullify the earlier budget, reportedly signed into law by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, created a governance vacuum that prompted President Tinubu’s direct involvement. The court’s ruling was based on procedural irregularities, which led to the invalidation of the previous appropriation. To prevent a budgetary crisis and ensure continuity in governance, President Tinubu, leveraging his constitutional authority, stepped in to present a revised budget to the National Assembly. This action aligns with his administration’s broader commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fiscal responsibility across Nigeria’s federating units.
The submission of the budget to the National Assembly is a critical step in the legislative process, as it now awaits scrutiny, debate, and eventual approval by the lawmakers. The National Assembly, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, will review the proposal to ensure it aligns with the state’s developmental priorities and adheres to fiscal prudence. Analysts anticipate that the budget will generate significant debate, particularly given Rivers State’s strategic importance as a major oil-producing region and economic hub in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
The budget proposal has also drawn attention due to its timing and the political dynamics in Rivers State. The state has been grappling with political tensions, including disputes within the state legislature, which have occasionally disrupted governance processes. President Tinubu’s intervention is seen as an effort to stabilize the situation and ensure that the people of Rivers State are not adversely affected by administrative gridlock. By presenting the budget directly to the National Assembly, the President aims to restore confidence in the state’s fiscal management and pave the way for sustainable development.
Stakeholders in Rivers State, including civil society organizations, business leaders, and residents, have expressed mixed reactions to the development. Some have commended President Tinubu for his proactive approach, noting that the proposed investments in infrastructure and healthcare could significantly boost the state’s economy and improve living standards. Others, however, have called for greater transparency in the budgetary process and urged the National Assembly to ensure that the funds are allocated efficiently and accounted for properly.
As the National Assembly begins its deliberations on the N1.48 trillion budget proposal, all eyes will be on the legislative process and its outcomes. The approval and subsequent implementation of the budget are expected to have far-reaching implications for Rivers State, potentially shaping its economic trajectory and addressing long-standing developmental challenges. For now, President Tinubu’s submission marks a pivotal moment in the state’s governance, signaling a renewed focus on stability, growth, and progress.
