By Tina Amanda
Pilex Centre – The People’s Advocates has called on the Rivers State Government (RSG) to declare a state of emergency in agriculture and power supply, stressing the sectors’ critical role in alleviating the hardship faced by residents.
Courage Nsirimovo, Coordinator of Pilex Centre, made this appeal in an interview with our correspondent in Port Harcourt. He criticized the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Act, which allocated only ₦30 billion to agriculture out of a total budget of ₦1.188 trillion naira. He also lamented the insufficient funding for the energy and power sectors.
Nsirimovo emphasized that an Emergency Intervention Fund is essential to address these gaps.
“Entrepreneurs currently spend 30–40% of production costs on power, relying on diesel and fuel to keep businesses running. This expense increases the cost of goods and services, leading to inflation. Those unable to cope shut down, resulting in unemployment.
“It is the responsibility of the Government to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive and that is what we are asking the Government of SIMINALAYE FUBARA to do.”
He further noted that the Rivers State Government, under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, could leverage its concurrent legislative powers to generate and distribute electricity within the state, partnering with entities like PHED to bridge the energy supply gap.
Nsirimovo expressed dissatisfaction with the disparity in budget allocations. While commending investments in education, health, and infrastructure, he criticized the disproportionate ₦230 billion allocated for governance compared to the meager ₦30 billion set aside for agriculture.
He called for adherence to the African Union Maputo Declaration, which mandates that at least 10% of a state’s budget be allocated to agriculture to ensure food security.
“No human being should go to bed hungry. Increased investment in agriculture would lead to food sufficiency, driving down prices and making food affordable for minimum-wage earners.
Nsirimovo highlighted Rivers State’s untapped agricultural potential, with 39% of its total landmass suitable for cultivation. The state is a leading producer of crops like yam, cassava, maize, and rice, alongside seafood such as crabs, shrimps, and fish from its riverine areas.
“With strategic investments, Rivers State could achieve food sufficiency without relying heavily on the Federal Government.
“Wikipedia says that Rivers State is one of the leading states in the production of Yam, cassava, cocoyam, maize, rice, and beans. About 39% (760,000 hectares) of the state’s total land mass, particularly in the upland area is suitable for cultivation.
“Major cash crops produced in the state are oil palm products, rubber, coconut, raffia palm, and jute. Other crops grown for food include vegetables, melon, pineapples, mango, pepper, banana, and plantain.
“There are 270 species of fish in Rivers State and many artisanal Fishermen in the riverine areas. The state provides valuable seafood such as crabs, oysters, shrimps, and sea snails among others”, he said.
Nsirimovo accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of failing to prioritize the people’s needs, such as food security and power supply. He described the Assembly as a “rubber stamp,” unable to convene public hearings or advocate for people-oriented governance.
“This again questions the state of democracy at this local level wherein the elected representatives of the people at the State Assembly could not speak for the people nor convoke a public hearing to enable people-oriented organizations and individuals to inform them of the major needs of the people – Food security and constant power supply.
“This is not a reflection of a government for the people. A government for the people must ascertain the needs of its citizens and address them effectively.”
Pilex Centre cautioned the administration against focusing solely on infrastructure projects that may prioritize kickbacks over public welfare. “Such actions will exacerbate hardship, leading to malnutrition, poverty, and reduced access to essential services like healthcare.”
The group urged Governor Fubara’s administration to prioritize food security and constant power supply as fundamental elements for economic growth and the welfare of Rivers State residents.
