While defending the Rivers State 2025 budget before the House, State Administrator Ibas lamented acts of sabotage by certain suspended officials
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Wednesday defended the state’s proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget before the House Special Committee overseeing the emergency rule in Rivers State
He outlined an ambitious fiscal blueprint designed to rebuild infrastructure, improve social services, and foster inclusive growth amid the ongoing state of emergency.
During his presentation, Ibas raised concerns over limited cooperation from certain suspended state officials, which, he said, had hindered comprehensive budget formulation.
The spending plan, totaling ₦1.48 trillion with an anticipated ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, was submitted to the National Assembly following presidential assent and the Supreme Court’s validation of the Rivers State 2025 appropriation process.
The proposal is anchored on the strategic objectives of the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027).
In his opening remarks, Ibas expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for their diligence.
“We in Rivers state are most grateful for your commitment. Despite your tight schedules, you have shown unwavering resolve to fulfill your constitutional duties,” he said.
He disclosed that some of the suspended officials had failed to release critical financial records, complicating efforts to accurately reflect first-quarter spending carried out by the previous administration.
“Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of expenditures already undertaken during the first quarter of the fiscal year,” Ibas stated.
Nonetheless, he assured that the proposed budget framework has been adjusted to legally regularize those expenditures while upholding transparency and compliance with national fiscal standards.
Key allocations under the proposed budget include ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation, ₦55 billion for the relocation and expansion of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, and ₦50 billion for upgrades to zonal hospitals.
Additionally, ₦38.85 billion has been earmarked for shoreline protection and erosion control, ₦30 billion for zonal secondary schools, ₦5.75 billion for the rehabilitation of primary schools, ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment, and ₦3 billion for youth resource centers.
Another ₦20 billion is allocated for the recapitalization of the Rivers State Microfinance Bank to support MSMEs, alongside ₦117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and other employee benefits.
“God willing, every Rivers citizen with a great idea, carefully thought out and well-planned, will find the funding required to turn their dreams into successful ventures—irrespective of tribe, ethnicity, or political affiliation,” Ibas declared.
Responding to the presentation, Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC Edo), commended Ibas for the detailed briefing and reaffirmed the committee’s support for the state’s stabilization and development efforts.
“This committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State. Rivers has always been a shining example of what is possible with good leadership,” Ihonvbere said.
He underscored the committee’s insistence on transparency and due process in its review of the budget.
“We will scrutinize the budget. We will invite you to send your relevant officials for a proper defense. While we are committed to getting Rivers State back on track, we are not going to cut corners,” he added.
Ihonvbere also lauded the people-centered provisions in the budget, particularly in the areas of women’s empowerment and retirees’ welfare.
“These are areas that directly affect people’s lives. We know the struggles of many families, and we appreciate you for making these bold commitments,” he noted.
