President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally written to the National Assembly, requesting approval for a ₦1.48 trillion budget for Rivers State. The request follows the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state earlier this year, citing deepening political instability that paralyzed governance.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President and read during plenary, President Tinubu asked lawmakers to urgently consider and approve the proposed budget to allow the interim administration in Rivers to meet critical development and governance needs.
The budget proposal, if approved, will be managed by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), who was appointed as the sole administrator of Rivers State following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly. The suspensions stemmed from months of political tension, leadership tussles, and administrative breakdown that prompted federal intervention.
According to the breakdown of the budget, ₦324 billion is earmarked for infrastructure development, ₦166 billion for the health sector, ₦75.6 billion for education, and ₦31.4 billion for agriculture. The government says the agricultural projects alone are projected to create over 6,000 jobs, aimed at boosting food security and reducing unemployment in the state.
President Tinubu emphasized the need for the National Assembly to expedite action on the proposal to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services and developmental interventions in Rivers.
“This request is imperative to stabilise the state and restore effective governance,” the President stated in his communication to the federal legislature.
The federal government had in March 2025 declared a temporary state of emergency in Rivers State, citing security concerns and political unrest. Since then, the administration of the state has been under federal supervision with Vice Admiral Ibas steering day-to-day governance.
Lawmakers have assured that the budget proposal will be subjected to thorough legislative scrutiny before passage. However, given the state’s strategic economic importance and the urgent nature of the request, it is expected to receive accelerated consideration.
The unfolding situation in Rivers continues to draw national attention, especially as President Tinubu’s administration balances constitutional intervention with the restoration of democratic governance in one of the nation’s most economically vital states.
