The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has disclosed that the proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget includes provisions for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during a budget defence session before the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on Rivers State oversight, Ibas said the budget aligns with the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027) and is structured to drive revenue generation, infrastructure development, and inclusive economic growth.
“In anticipation of a return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains allocations for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already accessed funds in the first quarter and are expected to resume duties once the emergency period concludes,” Ibas stated.
He described the budget as a strategic and integrated framework designed to improve human capital and deliver long-term economic impact. However, Ibas expressed frustration over limited cooperation from some state officials, alleging that critical data was withheld during the budgeting process.
“Regrettably, some state officials withheld essential information, affecting the completeness of expenditure capture at the time of submission,” he said. Despite the challenges, Ibas noted that first-quarter spending data was still factored into the framework to maintain fiscal discipline and alignment with appropriation laws.
The ₦1.48 trillion budget projects revenue of ₦1.4 trillion and was forwarded to the National Assembly with presidential approval following a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of the state’s budget process.
Key allocations include:
-
₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation
-
₦55 billion for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
-
₦50 billion for upgrading zonal hospitals
-
₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control
-
₦30 billion for zonal secondary schools
-
₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation
-
₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment
-
₦3 billion for youth resource centres
-
₦20 billion to recapitalise the state’s microfinance bank
-
₦117 billion for pensions and employee benefits
Chairman of the oversight committee, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, commended Ibas for his transparency and pledged the committee’s support in restoring normalcy and development to the state.
“This committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State,” Ihonvbere said. “We will scrutinise the budget thoroughly. There will be no shortcuts.”
He also lauded the focus on social welfare, noting, “These are areas that directly affect the lives of the people. We commend your bold commitments”.
