……. prioritizing roads, agriculture, health
By Emmanuel Abi Couson
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the 3 man State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo as Speaker.
The budget of N1.188 trillion marks a significant increase from the 2024 budget of N800 billion which was passed after one day stting by the 3 man Assembly which is loyal to him
Dubbed the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,” Governor Fubara stated that the budget aims to drive sustainable economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and improve living standards for all residents.
Budget Breakdown
Recurrent Expenditure: N462.25 billion
Capital Expenditure: N678.08 billion
Planning Reserve: N35.69 billion
Closing Balance: N12.93 billion
The recurrent-to-capital expenditure ratio stands at 44:56%, reflecting the administration’s commitment to both infrastructure and human capital development.
Road Infrastructure
Over N195 billion has been earmarked for completing ongoing road projects and initiating new ones. The funds will also support the modernization of public transportation systems across the state.
Nearly N31 billion will be dedicated to transforming agriculture and supporting youth participation in farming. This initiative includes land preparation, access to improved seedlings, fertilizers, and modern farming tools, aimed at addressing food insecurity and youth unemployment.
The government plans to invest over N63 billion (9.3% of the budget) in education to improve learning environments and provide free basic education. Efforts will focus on rehabilitating and equipping public schools, accessing Universal Basic Education Commission grants, and enhancing secondary schools with infrastructure like classrooms, water, and electricity.
With N97.75 billion allocated (14.4% of the budget), the state aims to complete major healthcare projects, including zonal hospitals, a neuropsychiatric hospital, and the Rumuigbo General Hospital. The government also plans to strengthen the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and improve access to essential drugs and medical supplies.
Approximately N15.4 billion is set aside for youth and gender empowerment, sports development, and social inclusion. This includes establishing digital resource centers and supporting state sports teams like Rivers United and Rivers Angels.
The government will complete ongoing electrification projects and transition streetlights in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas to solar power. Plans also include passing the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill to attract private sector investments in the energy sector.
The 2025 budget will be funded through FAAC allocations, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), statutory allocations, mineral funds, VAT, and refunds. Governor Fubara highlighted the state’s record-breaking IGR performance, with a N100 billion increase over the 2023 figure, underscoring the administration’s efforts to enhance fiscal transparency and accountability.
Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, commended Governor Fubara’s achievements in boosting IGR and sustaining financial prudence. He assured the Legislature’s continued support to ensure the administration delivers democratic dividends to the people of Rivers State.
The budget presentation reflects the government’s resolve to build a resilient economy and deliver inclusive development across all sectors.
