The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has said that the proposed N1.48 trillion budget for 2025 includes provisions for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.
Ibas made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja while defending the budget proposal before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight.
According to him, the proposed budget aligns with the goals of the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027), and aims to boost revenue generation, accelerate infrastructure development, improve human capital, and support inclusive economic growth across various sectors.
“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 after the emergency period,” Ibas said.
He also accused some Rivers State officials of withholding essential data required for preparing the budget, which led to gaps in capturing certain expenditures.
“Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information needed to ensure a more complete budget estimate,” he said.
“Nevertheless, the budget integrates available expenditure data to lawfully and transparently account for first-quarter spending, maintaining fiscal integrity and adherence to statutory protocols.”
The proposed budget includes ₦1.48 trillion in total expenditure with projected revenues of ₦1.4 trillion.
It was submitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval and a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legality of the state’s appropriation process.
Ibas outlined major allocations in the budget, including:
₦324.5bn for infrastructure and transportation
₦55bn for the relocation and expansion of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
₦50bn for zonal hospital upgrades
₦38.85bn for shoreline protection and erosion control
₦30bn for zonal secondary schools
₦5.75bn for primary school rehabilitation
₦2.5bn for women’s economic empowerment
₦3bn for youth resource centres
₦20bn to recapitalise Rivers State Microfinance Bank to support SMEs
₦117bn for pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, commended Ibas for the comprehensive presentation and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to restoring peace and development in the state.
“We are committed to working with you to return stability and growth to Rivers State.
But we will thoroughly scrutinise the budget. Relevant officials will be invited for proper budget defence—we won’t cut corners,” Ihonvbere said.
He also praised the budget’s emphasis on social welfare, especially women’s empowerment and pensions for retirees, calling them “bold and people-centred commitments.”