The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Mr. Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Tuesday presented the state’s proposed 2025 budget of ₦1.48 trillion to the House of Representatives, unveiling an ambitious fiscal plan aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, enhancing social services, and driving inclusive development under the ongoing state of emergency.
The budget proposal—which received presidential approval following a Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the 2025 appropriation process—projects ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, with expenditures focused on critical sectors in line with the Rivers State Development Plan 2017–2027.
In his remarks before the House Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Ibas expressed appreciation for the lawmakers’ dedication.
“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.
However, Ibas lamented challenges in gathering complete financial data due to the lack of cooperation from certain suspended state officials.
“Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information needed to fully capture first-quarter expenditures already undertaken by the suspended administration,” he noted.
Despite this, the administrator said the budget framework was lawfully revised to ratify existing expenditures while maintaining transparency and compliance with national standards.
Major Budget Highlights:
- ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation projects
- ₦55 billion for relocating and expanding 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 school upgrades
- ₦5.75 billion for rehabilitating primary schools
- ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment
- ₦3 billion for youth resource centers
- ₦20 billion to recapitalise the Rivers State Microfinance Bank for MSME support
- ₦117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits
Ibas assured that the budget is people-focused, with a vision to support every citizen’s dream:
“God willing, every Rivers citizen with a great idea—carefully thought out and well-planned—will find the funding to turn their dreams into successful ventures, irrespective of tribe, ethnicity, or political divide,” he declared.
In response, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers State Oversight, praised the detailed presentation and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to working with the administrator.
“We are committed to restoring stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State,” he said.
Ihonvbere emphasized that the committee would thoroughly scrutinize the budget and ensure accountability:
“We will invite you and your officials to defend the budget. We won’t cut corners. This process will be transparent.”
He also applauded the budget’s emphasis on social welfare, particularly provisions for women’s empowerment and pensions, calling them “bold and people-centred interventions.”
The committee is set to commence in-depth budget defence sessions in the coming weeks, as lawmakers ensure that the emergency-led fiscal agenda promotes transparency, accountability, and effective implementation.
