Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, says the proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget includes provisions for the anticipated return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Ibas said the proposal aligns with the strategic goals of the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027).
“In anticipation of a 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 funds in Q1 and are expected to resume their duties after the emergency period,” Ibas said.
He noted that the budget is structured to raise revenue, fast-track infrastructure development, and promote inclusive growth. However, Ibas accused certain state officials of withholding vital information during the preparation process, complicating efforts to fully capture prior expenditures.
“Despite these challenges, the budget integrates verified first-quarter expenditures to maintain fiscal transparency and align with statutory appropriation protocols,” he explained.
The ₦1.48 trillion expenditure plan, backed by a projected ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, was submitted to the National Assembly after receiving presidential approval and following a Supreme Court ruling on the state’s appropriation process.
Key allocations in the proposed budget include:
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₦324.5bn for infrastructure and transport
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₦55bn for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
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₦50bn for zonal hospital upgrades
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₦38.85bn for shoreline protection and erosion control
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₦30bn for zonal secondary schools and ₦5.75bn for primary school rehabilitation
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₦2.5bn for women’s economic empowerment
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₦3bn for youth resource centres
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₦20bn to recapitalise the state’s microfinance bank for MSME support
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₦117bn for pensions, gratuities, and other benefits
Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, praised Ibas for a detailed presentation and affirmed the committee’s support in efforts to restore peace and development in Rivers.
“We’re committed to working with you, but we’ll also scrutinise the budget thoroughly. We won’t cut corners,” Ihonvbere said.
He also commended the inclusion of social welfare provisions, including support for women and retirees, calling them essential to addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.
