Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Monday 30th December 2024 presented a landmark budget of N1.188 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, aimed at driving inclusive growth and development across the state. The budget, dubbed the "Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development," is set to enhance economic performance, improve the living standards of citizens, and expedite ongoing infrastructural projects.
The budget proposal was submitted to the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Oko-Jumbo, in a session held at the lawmakers’ temporary chambers within the Government House. Governor Fubara outlined the detailed fiscal plan, which is divided into two main components: N462.254 billion for recurrent expenditure and N678.088 billion allocated to capital expenditure. In addition, the budget includes a planning reserve of N35.688 billion and a closing balance of N12.931 billion.
In his address, the Governor emphasized that the budget was designed to achieve sustainable economic growth, promote accelerated development, and improve the quality of life for Rivers State residents. He stressed that it focuses on key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social investment.
For agriculture, Governor Fubara announced a significant allocation of nearly N31 billion to boost agricultural development. This funding will support a wide range of initiatives aimed at transforming the sector, particularly focusing on youth empowerment. By creating new opportunities in agriculture, the state aims to address issues such as youth unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity, which remain pressing concerns in the region.
On education, the Governor underscored the state’s commitment to improving access to quality education by allocating over N63 billion. This will fund the rehabilitation and equipping of dilapidated schools, provide free basic education, and recruit 3,000 teachers to improve the teacher-learner ratio. These efforts aim to ensure that all children in Rivers State receive a sound education, irrespective of their background.
In the healthcare sector, Governor Fubara proposed an investment of N97.750 billion to enhance healthcare services across the state. This allocation will support the completion of zonal hospitals, the construction of an expanded neuropsychiatric hospital, and the rehabilitation of existing health facilities. The Governor emphasized the importance of providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to Rivers State residents, a priority for his administration.
Governor Fubara also addressed issues of governance and security, with a planned allocation of over N213 billion for public administration, social investments, and law enforcement. The budget outlines investments in strengthening the state's civil service, enhancing security infrastructure, and supporting the state's security agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the people.
In his closing remarks, the Governor expressed deep gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their continued trust and support. He also thanked the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly for their cooperation and urged them to give due consideration to the 2025 Appropriation Bill. Governor Fubara concluded by reiterating his commitment to leading the state towards greater economic prosperity, social progress, and shared growth.
“The 2025 budget is a crucial step toward achieving sustainable development in Rivers State, and I am confident that with your support, we will build a better future for our people,” he said.
