Rivers State 2025 Budget: House of Representatives Approves N1.486 Trillion
The Nigerian House of Representatives has officially approved the 2025 budget for Rivers State, totaling N1.486 trillion. The approval came after thorough deliberations and the adoption of a report presented by the House Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State, led by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
Breakdown of the Approved Budget
The budget allocates funds across three major categories:
- Personnel Cost: N256.42 billion
- Overhead Cost: N162.58 billion
- Capital Expenditure: N1.066 trillion
Key Adjustments Made by Lawmakers
During the review process, the House of Representatives made significant adjustments to ensure fiscal responsibility. Notably, lawmakers slashed N35 billion from allocations initially earmarked for:
- CCTV installations
- Gunboat purchases
- Surveillance contracts
Redirection of Funds to Priority Projects
Prof. Ihonvbere explained that the committee redirected over N30 billion from security-related expenditures to other critical projects. He emphasized that these adjustments were necessary to promote transparency and efficient resource utilization in the state.
“The committee deemed it essential to reallocate funds to areas that would have a more direct impact on the welfare and development of Rivers State,” Ihonvbere stated during the session.
Implications for Rivers State
The approved budget is expected to drive infrastructural development, improve public services, and stimulate economic growth in Rivers State. The substantial capital expenditure allocation indicates a strong focus on long-term projects that will benefit residents.
Observers have praised the lawmakers for scrutinizing the budget and ensuring that funds are directed toward meaningful initiatives rather than questionable security contracts.
For more details, read the original report.
Credit: The Citizen