Senate Approves N1.485 Trillion Rivers State 2025 Budget Amid Political Crisis – Full Breakdown and What It Means

 

In a major development that reflects both the ongoing political crisis and the federal government’s intervention in Rivers State, the Nigerian Senate has officially approved the N1.485 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State. This landmark decision was reached on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, during a plenary session of the upper legislative chamber.

The approval follows the careful consideration of a report submitted by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State, which was set up specifically to evaluate and recommend legislative action on the budget. The bill, which aims to authorize the withdrawal and use of funds from the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Fund, will cover the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.

Full Breakdown of the Rivers State 2025 Budget

The approved budget of ₦1,485,662,592,442 is divided into three major categories:

• ₦120.8 billion for debt servicing

• ₦287.38 billion for recurrent expenditure (non-debt)

• ₦1.077 trillion for capital expenditure

This breakdown reflects a strong emphasis on infrastructural development and long-term investments, with more than 72% of the entire budget dedicated to capital projects.

According to the Senate, the passage of the bill is expected to enable the interim government in Rivers State to continue delivering essential public services, maintain law and order, and rebuild confidence in governance amid the state’s turbulent political climate.

Concerns Over Pension Payments

While the budget was passed without much resistance, there were some concerns raised by members of the Senate, especially with regards to a ₦50 billion allocation earmarked for outstanding pensions and gratuities.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, voiced his apprehension during the session. He supported the bill’s passage but expressed concern about the need for strict monitoring and transparency in the disbursement of the ₦50 billion pension fund.

“There must be strict oversight by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to ensure that the ₦50 billion set aside for pensions and gratuities reaches the rightful recipients. We cannot allow the same mistakes of the past, where retired civil servants are left waiting endlessly for what is rightfully theirs,” Senator Ningi said.

His comments were met with agreement from several of his colleagues, reinforcing the Senate’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial discipline in the disbursement of funds under this emergency budget.

The Role of the National Assembly in the Rivers State Budget

The unusual situation of the National Assembly deliberating on a state’s budget is due to the political impasse in Rivers State, which has led to federal intervention.

In May 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted the Rivers State 2025 Appropriations Bill to the National Assembly for consideration, following the suspension of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This was an unprecedented move, signaling the seriousness of the breakdown of governance structures within the state.

President Tinubu had earlier declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing an “intractable political crisis” between the incumbent governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Political Tension Between Wike and Rivers State Governor

The conflict between Wike and the current governor, whose name has been withheld due to the ongoing investigations and legal implications, has paralyzed political activities in the state. What began as a party leadership disagreement quickly escalated into a full-blown constitutional crisis.

Reports suggest that attempts to impeach the current governor were met with resistance, leading to violent clashes among supporters, breakdown of legislative order, and widespread insecurity in some parts of the state.

In response, President Tinubu, in a bold and controversial decision, suspended both the governor and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly. This was followed by the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as the Administrator of Rivers State for an initial six-month period, with full executive powers to run the state and restore normalcy.

What This Budget Approval Means for Rivers State

The approval of this emergency 2025 budget is expected to provide much-needed relief for Rivers State residents, who have endured months of political instability, delayed salaries, halted public works, and administrative confusion.

Here’s what the budget aims to address:

1. Payment of Salaries and Pensions: A portion of the recurrent expenditure and the ₦50 billion earmarked fund will go toward clearing backlog payments to civil servants and retirees.

2. Capital Projects and Infrastructure: With over ₦1 trillion dedicated to capital expenditure, the administration under Vice Admiral Ibas is expected to focus on road construction, water projects, public health initiatives, and educational infrastructure.

3. Debt Servicing: The ₦120.8 billion set aside for debt servicing will help Rivers State avoid defaulting on its obligations, thereby maintaining its creditworthiness and investor confidence.

4. Governance Stability: The budget is seen as a tool to stabilize government functions and restore normalcy ahead of a potential democratic transition or reconciliation within the political class.

The National Implications of the Rivers Crisis

The Rivers State budget approval has broader implications for governance in Nigeria. It raises serious constitutional questions about federal intervention in state affairs and sets a unique precedent where a state budget was deliberated and passed at the federal level.

Critics have questioned whether President Tinubu’s intervention undermines the principles of federalism and separation of powers. However, supporters argue that the decision was necessary to protect the lives and welfare of the people of Rivers State.

Political analysts are watching closely to see how this scenario unfolds, especially as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

Conclusion: A Test for Democracy and Leadership

The ₦1.485 trillion Rivers State budget for 2025 has been approved under extraordinary circumstances. While the Senate’s action reflects national concern and intervention in a state in crisis, it also presents a unique opportunity to address the failings of local leadership and ensure that the resources of Rivers State are used effectively.

With Vice Admiral Ibas in charge, and the Senate keeping close tabs through its ad-hoc oversight committee, all eyes are now on how well the funds will be managed, how quickly critical projects will resume, and whether peace and political order can return to Rivers State.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this emergency budget becomes a model for rebuilding or a further source of controversy.