The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), says the proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget was designed with the expectation that Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other suspended officials would eventually return to office.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, June 11, while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Ibas explained that the plan aligns with the state’s 10-year development blueprint and was built to stimulate inclusive growth, improve human capital, and accelerate infrastructure upgrades.
“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 said.
However, Ibas expressed frustration that some unnamed state officials allegedly refused to provide critical data needed for a complete fiscal picture.
“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,” he said.
He added, “However, recognising the exigencies under the state of emergency and the need to ensure fiscal credibility, the budget framework integrates expenditure information made available before the submission of the budget proposal to ratify the first quarter expenditures in a lawful and transparent structure.
“This ensures alignment with statutory appropriation protocols while safeguarding the integrity of public finance management.”
The ₦1.48 trillion spending plan, with a projected ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, received presidential approval after the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the state’s appropriation process.
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Highlighting key figures, Ibas said ₦324.5 billion was earmarked for infrastructure and transportation; ₦55 billion for the relocation and expansion of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital; ₦50 billion for upgrading zonal hospitals; ₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection; ₦30 billion for zonal secondary schools; and ₦5.75 billion for primary school upgrades.
Other allocations include ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment, ₦3 billion for youth resource centres, ₦20 billion to recapitalise the Rivers State Microfinance Bank for small businesses, and ₦117 billion for pensions and gratuities.
Thanking the committee for their time and support, Ibas said, “We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment. Despite your tight schedules, you have shown unwavering resolve to fulfil your constitutional duties.”
In response, the committee’s chairman, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, praised Ibas for the detailed presentation and pledged support in restoring stability to 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,” he said.
He also assured that the committee would scrutinise the budget rigorously.
“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,” Ihonvbere said.
He commended the budget’s social investments, including provisions for retirees and women’s empowerment.
“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 added.