The Nigerian Senate has thrown its weight behind the N365 billion increase in the revised N1.846 trillion budget submitted by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibak (rtd), justifying the rise in figures from the earlier proposal sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The fresh proposal, which was presented to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight on Thursday, exceeds the initial N1.481 trillion forwarded to the National Assembly by the President last month.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu had forwarded the original estimate after the Supreme Court nullified the 2025 Rivers State budget. The court’s ruling and the current state of emergency in the oil-rich state necessitated a new financial plan, now under the stewardship of the Sole Administrator.
While addressing the committee, led by Senate Leader and Ad-hoc Committee Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Vice Admiral Ibak explained that the revised budget is designed to stabilise the state, tackle security issues, clear pension arrears, and drive inclusive economic development.
According to him, key components of the new budget include:
N324.5 billion for infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transport systems;
N38.85 billion for shoreline protection, erosion control, and land reclamation;
N25 billion for affordable housing schemes for middle-income earners;
Over N117 billion for pension and gratuity payments, with N50 billion set aside for immediate clearance of backlog.
Vice Admiral Ibak, whose six-month mandate is focused on stabilising governance in the state, said the budget aims to boost commerce, encourage entrepreneurship, and restore confidence in government during this transition period.
In a post-meeting press briefing, Senator Bamidele justified the upward review of the budget, particularly applauding the allocation of N50 billion to settle outstanding pensions and gratuities.
“These are long-overdue payments to citizens who served Rivers State diligently. Addressing their entitlements is both a moral and stabilising move,” he said.
He further praised the capital-heavy nature of the proposal, noting that over 70% of the budget is geared towards infrastructure and development projects, while less than 30% is allocated for recurrent expenses.
“This structure clearly shows a focus on job creation and tangible development. If we keep prioritising capital projects, our people will begin to feel the real impact of governance,” Bamidele stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the Senate Leader assured that the committee would not only evaluate the figures but also ensure full implementation of the budget.
“Our oversight will continue beyond today. We shall monitor how funds are released and used—project by project—to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.
He stressed that the committee will assess how the budget impacts the daily lives of Rivers people, especially in this period of political uncertainty and emergency rule.
“Government actions at this time must reflect the needs of the people—better roads, healthcare, education, security, and livelihood. That is how we build public trust and deliver real dividends of democracy,” Senator Bamidele concluded.
