The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has disclosed that the proposed ₦1.48tn 2025 budget includes provisions for the eventual return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political officeholders affected by the ongoing crisis in the state.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Ibas defended the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, stating that the proposal is aligned with the broader vision of the Rivers State Development Plan 2017–2027. He described the budget as a strategic and integrated roadmap aimed at boosting revenue generation, infrastructure development, human capital, and inclusive economic growth across all sectors.
“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order,” Ibas said, “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.”
The Rivers State government has operated under interim leadership following a series of political upheavals that saw the suspension of Governor Fubara and some top state officials. The 2025 budget marks the first full-year financial blueprint under the emergency administrative structure, which was approved by the National Assembly after the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the process.
However, Ibas expressed concern over the conduct of certain officials who, according to him, obstructed the planning process.
“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 revealed. “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 budget proposal includes projected revenues of ₦1.4tn, suggesting a relatively modest deficit of ₦80bn. It features ambitious allocations for key sectors, including ₦324.5bn for infrastructure and transportation projects; ₦55bn for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital; ₦50bn for zonal hospital upgrades; and ₦38.85bn for shoreline protection and erosion control.
Additionally, ₦30bn has been earmarked for zonal secondary schools, with ₦5.75bn for primary school rehabilitation. Social welfare initiatives include ₦2.5bn for women’s economic empowerment, ₦3bn for youth resource centres, ₦20bn to recapitalise the Rivers State Microfinance Bank for small businesses, and ₦117bn in pension and employee benefits.
“We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment. Despite your tight schedules, you have shown unwavering resolve to fulfil your constitutional duties,” Ibas told the committee during his opening remarks.
In response, the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee and House Majority Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, commended the administrator for what he described as a detailed and thoughtful presentation. He also assured Ibas of the committee’s cooperation, noting that the legislature remains committed to restoring peace and development to the oil-rich 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 said. “Rivers has always been a shining example of what is possible with good leadership, and that is why this commitment is here.”
While pledging to scrutinise the budget, he underscored the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability.
“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.
Ihonvbere also praised the inclusion of people-centred initiatives in the proposal, especially in the areas of women’s empowerment and pensions.
“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.
