In a significant move to stabilize governance amidst an ongoing state of emergency, the Nigerian Senate has approved the ₦1.485 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State. This historic federal intervention in subnational governance underscores the critical need to restore constitutional order and ensure institutional continuity in the state, which is vital for Nigeria’s overall economic and political stability.

The approval followed a comprehensive report submitted by the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Oversight of Emergency Rule in Rivers, led by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. During the presentation, Senator Bamidele emphasized that the emergency measures in Rivers State were constitutionally sound and absolutely necessary. He cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the President and the National Assembly the authority to intervene in situations where constitutional order has broken down. He clarified that this action was not arbitrary but legally backed, aiming to protect the democratic structure and guarantee the continuity of governance in Rivers State.

The newly approved budget outlines a strategic framework prioritizing urgent needs, with a substantial portion dedicated to development. According to the report, ₦1.077 trillion has been earmarked for capital projects, representing approximately 72 percent of the total budget. This allocation signals a strong focus on economic recovery and infrastructural development. Additionally, the budget allocates ₦120.8 billion for debt servicing and ₦287.38 billion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure. A specific provision of ₦50 billion has been included for the settlement of outstanding pension and gratuity liabilities, which currently stand at ₦147 billion, aiming to address a critical financial obligation to pensioners.

The legislative consideration of this appropriation bill was initiated by President Bola Tinubu, who submitted it to the National Assembly following a severe political crisis that led to the suspension of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the subsequent nullification of an earlier budget presented by the suspended governor. The Senate’s endorsement, achieved after the third reading and thorough consideration by its Ad-Hoc Committee, is designed to pave the way for accelerated infrastructural development, improved social services, and enhanced governance in the state, thereby addressing the root causes of the instability.

The committee’s findings and the budget’s passage received widespread support from lawmakers across party lines. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended the report as “evidence of strong leadership and diligence,” while Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, praised the significant capital-intensive allocation as a clear “sign of serious governance.” Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the diligent efforts of the ad hoc committee and urged the implementing authorities to ensure that the budget translates into tangible benefits for the people of Rivers State, affirming that the objective is the welfare of both Rivers State and the nation at large.

Despite the broad support, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) raised concerns regarding the allocation for outstanding pensions and gratuities. He urged the Ad-Hoc Committee to enforce strict oversight to ensure that pensioners receive their due payments promptly and without bureaucratic delays. This emphasis on accountability underscores the Senate’s commitment to ensuring the budget’s effective and transparent implementation, marking a pivotal step in stabilizing Rivers State’s political landscape and asserting the federal government’s direct role in state affairs through legislative instruments.