The House of Representatives has approved a ₦1.48 trillion budget for Rivers State for the 2025 fiscal year. This move follows the earlier approval by the Senate and marks a key step in the ongoing federal intervention in the state’s governance.

The budget, which was drafted and submitted by the Tinubu-appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), comes amid continued federal oversight following a declared political crisis in Rivers State. The budget’s passage underscores Abuja’s growing role in managing the state’s affairs after the imposition of emergency administrative measures.
The Senate had passed the same budget earlier in June, following a third reading of the appropriation bill. Both chambers acted based on the findings of their respective Ad-Hoc Committees on Rivers State.
According to the budget breakdown, ₦120.8 billion has been earmarked for debt servicing, ₦287.38 billion for recurrent expenditure (excluding debt), and a hefty ₦1.077 trillion for capital projects—indicating a strong emphasis on infrastructure and development.
Ibas presented the budget before the House’s Ad-Hoc Committee in early June, amid controversial circumstances surrounding his appointment as the state’s temporary administrator. His administration was installed after the Supreme Court intervened in a prolonged political dispute within the state.
During a meeting with members of the National Assembly from Rivers State, led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, Ibas stated that the budget was designed to address key areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and public infrastructure. He also emphasized the creation of employment opportunities and the integration of technology into public services.
“Following the Supreme Court’s decision, we wasted no time in putting together a comprehensive development plan,” Ibas stated. “We’ve ensured that the process is inclusive, transparent, and swift so we can get to work improving the lives of Rivers people.”
However, the move has not been without controversy. Civil society groups and opposition voices have questioned the legitimacy of the process, arguing that the bypassing of democratically elected state institutions undermines the principles of participatory democracy. Critics also raised concerns over transparency and accountability under the Sole Administration model.
The federal intervention in Rivers State remains a contentious issue, with many observers watching closely to see how the imposed governance structure will impact the state’s development and democratic integrity in the long term.