President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate’s approval for N1.48 trillion as the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill.
The request was conveyed to the upper legislative chamber in a letter read during plenary on Thursday. The President is seeking swift passage of the bill to ensure continuity in state-level development initiatives and to meet constitutional provisions for budgetary appropriations.
The proposed 2025 budget for Rivers State outlines a comprehensive expenditure plan aimed at bolstering infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development. Key highlights include increased allocations for road rehabilitation, water supply projects, and the state’s agricultural revitalization program.
According to sources close to the presidency, the N1.48 trillion budget is part of a broader strategy to improve the fiscal stability of Nigeria’s federating units by supporting their financial frameworks with legislative endorsement at the national level.
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The Senate is expected to deliberate on the bill in the coming days, with committees already tasked to scrutinize the budget components and ensure alignment with national priorities.
The Rivers Appropriation Bill, if passed, will allow the state to begin disbursement and execution of key capital and recurrent projects by the first quarter of 2025.
This marks the first time in recent years that a state’s budget is receiving direct facilitation from the presidency for legislative approval at the federal level—a move analysts interpret as a sign of closer collaboration between federal and state governments under Tinubu’s administration.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, confirmed receipt of the letter and assured that the request would receive prompt attention in accordance with the Senate’s legislative responsibility.
Further deliberations are expected in the coming weeks, with public hearings likely to involve input from relevant stakeholders in Rivers State.
NAN
