Senate Defends Increase In Rivers Budget

Senate Defends Increase In Rivers Budget

The Nigerian Senate has defended the significant increase in the 2025 Rivers State budget, describing the adjustments as necessary, people-oriented, and aligned with sustaining peace and development under the ongoing emergency administration.

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibak presented a revised budget of N1.846 trillion to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Oversight, an increase of N360 billion from the initial estimate of N1.486 trillion submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

GALAXY TV reports that Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi emphasized that about 85% of the budget had been drafted by the previous administration before the emergency rule, with revisions reflecting new priorities in infrastructure and public welfare.

He attributed the increase mainly to urgent capital projects and key welfare obligations, including a notable ₦50 billion allocation for outstanding pensions and gratuities to restore dignity to retired public servants and ensure social stability.