President Tinubu Sends N1.48 Trillion Budget for Rivers State to National Assembly Following Supreme Court Nullification
In a significant move aimed at restoring stability and governance to Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a revised budget proposal totaling ₦1.48 trillion for the state to the National Assembly. This announcement was made on Thursday, May 22, and comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s nullification of the state's 2025 budget.
The proposed budget is not only a response to the court's ruling but also a vital part of ongoing efforts to govern Rivers State effectively under its current state of emergency. The President’s submission marks a decisive federal intervention in a state currently grappling with a deep political crisis and governance vacuum.
Why a Federal Budget for Rivers State?
The unusual step of the federal government drafting and submitting a state budget stems from the Supreme Court’s recent decision. According to President Tinubu:
"The budget proposal became necessary because of the nullification of the 2025 budget of the state by the Supreme Court and the fact that the state is currently under emergency rule."
This development followed the judicial invalidation of the budget previously prepared by the Rivers State Government. With no valid fiscal plan in place and political tensions escalating, the President had no choice but to act in order to prevent a total administrative breakdown.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State earlier this year granted the Federal Government temporary control over certain state functions. This includes the drafting and management of a budget to ensure the continuity of public services and critical development initiatives.
Budget Breakdown: How the ₦1.48 Trillion Will Be Spent
President Tinubu outlined the key areas of focus for the budget, aiming to jumpstart development and restore normalcy. Here's how the ₦1.48 trillion is expected to be allocated:
1. Infrastructure Development – ₦324 Billion
A substantial ₦324 billion is earmarked for infrastructure projects. This includes roads, bridges, public buildings, and urban renewal efforts. The President emphasized that infrastructure is the backbone of economic recovery, especially in a state like Rivers, which is pivotal to Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta.
Investing in infrastructure is expected to not only stimulate economic activity but also improve connectivity, encourage investor confidence, and facilitate job creation.
2. Healthcare – ₦166 Billion
With a focus on improving health outcomes, the budget allocates ₦166 billion to the health sector. This will cover the upgrade of hospitals, construction of new health centers, provision of essential medicines, and expansion of healthcare access in both rural and urban areas.
In a state facing increasing public health challenges, this investment is expected to make healthcare more accessible and effective.
3. Education – ₦75.6 Billion
Recognizing the role of education in long-term development, ₦75.6 billion has been assigned to the education sector. This fund will go toward:
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Renovating existing schools
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Building new classrooms
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Training and hiring of qualified teachers
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Providing school supplies and digital learning tools
The goal is to ensure that children and youths in Rivers State receive a quality education, even during this period of political transition.
4. Agriculture – ₦31.4 Billion
A total of ₦31.4 billion will be spent on agricultural development. According to the President, this initiative is also expected to be a key driver of employment:
“By the provisions of the proposed 2025 budget; agriculture is expected to generate about 6,000 jobs.”
The agriculture sector will see improvements in mechanization, irrigation systems, fertilizer supply, and access to credit for smallholder farmers. It’s a strategic move aimed at diversifying the economy and ensuring food security.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
One of the key selling points of the proposed Rivers State budget is its potential to stimulate job creation and economic revitalization. The agricultural sector alone is expected to generate approximately 6,000 jobs, which could offer a lifeline to many residents affected by the current crisis.
Beyond agriculture, the massive spending on infrastructure and healthcare is projected to create thousands of indirect and direct employment opportunities. From construction workers and engineers to doctors, nurses, and teachers, the government hopes to jumpstart the economy through these high-impact projects.
Political Background: What Led to This Crisis?
To understand the necessity of federal intervention, it’s important to examine the political turmoil in Rivers State. The crisis stems from a long-standing political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor and political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
Despite belonging to the same political family, the relationship between the two soured after Wike moved to the federal level and Fubara began asserting his independence as governor. The rift led to power struggles, legislative gridlock, and eventually to the breakdown of normal governance in the state.
In March, President Tinubu was forced to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State due to what he described as “a protracted political battle that has paralyzed governance.” The emergency declaration was followed by the assumption of certain executive powers by the Federal Government.
National Assembly’s Role and Urgency
President Tinubu has formally requested that the National Assembly consider and pass the budget without delay. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the people of Rivers State cannot afford further delays in service delivery and development projects.
“I appeal to the parliament to urgently pass the budget for the good of Rivers State and its people,” the President said.
Lawmakers are expected to debate and possibly amend the budget proposal in the coming days. However, given the sensitive nature of the situation and the clear need for action, swift passage is anticipated.
What This Means for Nigeria
The situation in Rivers State is a litmus test for how the Federal Government manages state-level political crises. The bold move by President Tinubu to assume budgetary control could set a precedent, especially in states where political instability hinders development and governance.
While the constitutionality and long-term implications of such federal interventions may be debated, there is little doubt that the people of Rivers State need relief, structure, and leadership—something the proposed ₦1.48 trillion budget is intended to provide.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Rivers State
The submission of a ₦1.48 trillion budget by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly marks a turning point in the unfolding political drama in Rivers State. With major allocations for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture, the proposal is a strategic effort to stabilize the state, stimulate economic growth, and deliver essential services.
As Nigerians watch closely, the hope is that the National Assembly will rise to the occasion and approve the budget swiftly, ensuring that the people of Rivers State are not the ultimate victims of political infighting.
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