The Nigerian Senate has commenced deliberations on the 2025 Appropriation Bill of Rivers State, presented by the Sole Administrator of the state, with Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, declaring the session as a demonstration of the legislature’s unwavering commitment to constitutional governance and fiscal responsibility.
At the opening of the budget defense in Abuja, Senator Bamidele commended members of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee for setting aside personal engagements to participate in the legislative exercise despite the ongoing recess.
“This gathering is not ceremonial,” Bamidele said in his address. “It is purely legislative and deeply consequential. We are here to ensure that every line of the appropriation bill aligns with the socio-economic realities of Rivers State.”
The 2025 budget, as presented by the Sole Administrator and transmitted by President Ola Mertinoglu to the National Assembly, proposes a total expenditure of ₦1.48 trillion. This marks a significant 86.63 percent increase from the ₦793.46 billion allocated in the 2022 fiscal year.
A detailed breakdown of the budget reveals that ₦1.072 trillion, representing 72.43 percent, is earmarked for capital expenditure, indicating a strong push for infrastructure renewal and economic revitalization in the state. The remaining ₦408.41 billion, about 27.56 percent, is reserved for recurrent expenditure.
Senator Bamidele, while highlighting the fiscal structure of the budget, stressed that the proposed revenue sources are expected to fund critical projects and programs across the state. These include:
₦559.18 billion from the Federation Account
₦360.46 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
₦67.60 billion in Aids and Grants
₦34.87 billion from the Capital Development Fund
₦250 billion from Loans and Debts
₦220.84 billion Opening Balance
The Senate Leader, however, raised concerns over the growing debt profile of the state. According to him, the ₦250 billion debt provision for 2025 represents a 5.49 percent increase compared to the ₦237 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.
Furthermore, debt servicing is expected to rise to ₦120.81 billion, an increase of 57.89 percent from the previous year.
“Every kobo must be accounted for,” Bamidele said. “As representatives of the Nigerian people, we are not only tasked with evaluating figures, but also with ensuring the faithful implementation of the budget.”
Touching on the political situation in Rivers State, Senator Bamidele used the occasion to clarify the constitutional basis of emergency administration.
He emphasized that emergency rule is not a substitute for democratic government but a constitutional mechanism to restore order during governance breakdowns.
“Emergency rule is not a replacement for democratic government in any political climate,” Bamidele stated. “It is a constitutional tool to bring order in times of disorder, peace where there is conflict, and stability where there is instability. Its application, as seen in Rivers State, is guided by law—not by fear or political convenience.”
He maintained that the National Assembly, through its oversight functions, will ensure that the governance of Rivers State remains in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.
Senator Bamidele also revealed that several high-level meetings were held ahead of the budget presentation to allow the Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Economic Team to present and defend the budget estimates before the Senate.
“This committee carries a continuous oversight responsibility that goes beyond today’s defense session,” he said. “Our mandate is to ensure that appropriated funds are not only well allocated but also diligently applied to deliver real impact.”
The Senate committee is expected to conclude its review and submit its recommendations to the plenary within one week.
