President Tinubu Submits ₦1.48 Trillion Budget for Rivers State Following Supreme Court Nullification

 

President Bola Tinubu has presented a fresh budget proposal totaling ₦1.48 trillion for the Rivers State Government to the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to expedite its approval. The move comes in response to the Supreme Court’s recent nullification of the state’s 2025 budget and the ongoing emergency rule imposed on the region.

The proposed budget allocates substantial resources toward key sectors critical to the state’s development. Infrastructure is set to receive the largest share with ₦324 billion earmarked for projects aimed at enhancing physical development and public utilities. Health services follow closely, with ₦166 billion designated to improve medical facilities and healthcare delivery across Rivers State.

Education also stands to benefit from the new budget, receiving ₦75.6 billion to support schools, teachers, and educational programs. Meanwhile, ₦31.4 billion has been allocated to agriculture, a sector identified as a vital source of employment and economic growth within the state.

Highlighting the importance of the agricultural sector, President Tinubu noted that the budget’s provisions are expected to create approximately 6,000 jobs, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling unemployment and boosting local food production. This focus aligns with broader national efforts to diversify the economy and strengthen rural communities.

The president’s appeal to the National Assembly stressed the urgency of passing the budget swiftly. Without an approved budget, critical projects and services in Rivers State risk being delayed, potentially exacerbating challenges faced by residents living under the current emergency administration.

Lawmakers are now tasked with reviewing the detailed budget proposal to ensure it meets the immediate and long-term needs of Rivers State. The document is expected to guide the state’s financial management and development priorities throughout the fiscal year.

This budget transmission marks a significant step in restoring governance and stability to Rivers State after judicial setbacks and political uncertainty. With the Supreme Court’s annulment effectively invalidating the state’s previous financial plans, the new budget seeks to fill the void and provide a clear roadmap for public expenditure.

By prioritizing infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture, the proposal reflects an effort to balance developmental demands with social welfare. The allocation toward infrastructure promises improvements in roads, transportation, and utilities, which are essential for economic activity and daily life.

Investments in healthcare aim to enhance access to medical services, reduce disease burdens, and improve overall public health outcomes. Similarly, increased funding for education supports the state’s youth, equipping them with knowledge and skills necessary for future prosperity.

Agriculture’s dedicated funding highlights the government’s recognition of the sector’s potential to drive economic growth while addressing unemployment. Creating thousands of jobs through farming and agribusiness is expected to bring meaningful benefits to many communities.

As Rivers State navigates the complexities of emergency rule, the budget becomes a critical tool for stabilizing governance and ensuring continuity in essential public services. The president’s call for urgent legislative action reflects the need to avoid further disruptions that could hamper progress and development.

The National Assembly’s response will be closely watched by residents and stakeholders eager for stability and renewed government support. Passing the ₦1.48 trillion budget could pave the way for significant improvements in infrastructure, health, education, and agricultural productivity across Rivers State.

In summary, President Tinubu’s budget proposal addresses pressing challenges facing Rivers State, with targeted investments designed to create jobs, improve social services, and drive infrastructure development. Approval by the National Assembly remains a vital next step toward delivering these promises to the people of the state.