By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has unveiled the 2025 Appropriation Bill, proposing a total budget of N1.188 trillion for the year.
This shows a significant increase from the 2024 budget of N800 billion. According to Governor Fubara, the budget, aims to drive sustainable economic growth, enhance infrastructure and improve living standards for all residents.
The budget breakdown include 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%, showing the administration’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development and human capital growth.
Key sectoral allocations include:
Road Infrastructure: Over N195 billion has been marked for completing ongoing road projects and initiating new ones. The funds will also support the modernization of public transportation systems across the state.
Agriculture: 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.
Education: 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.
Healthcare: 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.
Youth and Gender Empowerment: 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 plans to wrap up ongoing electrification projects and switch Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor’s streetlights to solar power. They also aim to pass the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill to draw in private investors for the energy sector.
Funding for the 2025 budget will come from various sources, including federal allocations, internally generated revenue, and mineral funds. Governor Fubara proudly noted a N100 billion surge in IGR, showcasing the administration’s push for fiscal transparency.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo praised Governor Fubara’s accomplishments in boosting IGR and maintaining financial discipline, promising legislative support to ensure the government delivers benefits to Rivers State residents.
