House of Reps Approves ₦1.48 Trillion Rivers State Budget Amid Political Crisis, Federal Oversight

In a landmark decision underscoring the deepening federal oversight in Rivers State, the House of Representatives has passed the ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget prepared by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), appointed by President Bola Tinubu.

This legislative approval follows a similar move by the Senate in June, solidifying the federal government’s intervention after a political crisis triggered emergency administrative measures in the oil-rich state.

The budget, presented to the House by Ibas earlier in June, prioritizes infrastructure and development with ₦1.077 trillion earmarked for capital expenditure, alongside ₦287.38 billion for recurrent spending and ₦120.8 billion for debt servicing.

Despite these ambitions, the process has drawn scrutiny. Critics, including civil society groups and opposition figures, have questioned the transparency and legitimacy of bypassing elected state structures.

Nonetheless, Ibas emphasized a vision of accelerated development, transparency, and technological advancement during a meeting with National Assembly representatives, affirming the state’s resolve to address healthcare, education, agriculture, and job creation through the new fiscal plan.