The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has revealed that the proposed ₦1.48 trillion budget for 2025 was prepared with the anticipation of the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.
This announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja during the budget defence session before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight.
According to Ibas, the budget is built around the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027) and is intended to stimulate inclusive economic growth, human capital development, and broad-based infrastructure renewal.
“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period,” he explained.
The administrator, however, criticised some state officials for refusing to cooperate during the budget preparation process. He said their failure to supply essential data hindered the full capture of first-quarter expenditures.
“Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates,” Ibas stated. He noted that, despite these challenges, the framework has been revised to incorporate available expenditure data and lawfully ratify first-quarter spending in line with statutory protocols and transparency measures.
The ₦1.48 trillion expenditure plan—backed by projected revenue of ₦1.4 trillion—received presidential approval and was transmitted to the National Assembly following a Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the legality of the 2025 appropriation process under the state of emergency.
Ibas, in his remarks, thanked the lawmakers for their unwavering support. “We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment. Despite your tight schedules, you have shown unwavering resolve to fulfil your constitutional duties,” he said.
Key budgetary allocations include ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation; ₦55 billion for the relocation and expansion of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital; ₦50 billion for upgrading zonal hospitals; and ₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control. Education is also a priority, with ₦30 billion allocated for zonal secondary schools and ₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation.
Social welfare initiatives feature prominently in the plan, with ₦2.5 billion earmarked for women’s economic empowerment, ₦3 billion for youth resource centres, and ₦20 billion to recapitalise the Rivers State Microfinance Bank to support MSMEs. Additionally, ₦117 billion is allocated for pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits.
In response, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers State oversight, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, commended Ibas for a well-structured presentation and reiterated the committee’s commitment to partnering with the administrator to restore peace and development in the state.
“I want to especially thank you and let you know that this committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State,” Ihonvbere stated.
He further stressed the need for thorough scrutiny of the proposal. “We will scrutinise the budget. We will invite you to send your relevant officials for a proper defence of the budget. In as much as we are committed to joining hands with you to get Rivers State back on track, we are not going to cut corners,” he added.
As House Majority Leader, Ihonvbere also underscored the importance of people-centred interventions like women’s empowerment and retirees’ pensions, praising them as vital to improving lives across the state.
“These are areas that touch people’s lives, and we know the plight of their families. We appreciate you for making these bold commitments,” he said.
The budget defence process will continue in the coming weeks as lawmakers dig deeper into the proposal to ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, and effective implementation.
