Rivers State Sole Administrator defends N1.48 trillion 2025 budget

By Christiana Ekpa

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Wednesday presented and defended the state’s proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 budget before the House of Representatives.

The budget, crafted under the current state of emergency, outlines a bold fiscal strategy aimed at revitalizing infrastructure, enhancing social services, and promoting inclusive development.

During the budget presentation, Ibas expressed concern over challenges faced in preparing the proposal, citing a lack of cooperation from some suspended state officials. He said the withholding of critical financial data by these individuals impeded efforts to fully account for expenditures made in the first quarter of the fiscal year.

“Regrettably, some state officials withheld crucial information required for a comprehensive capture of expenditures already undertaken during the first quarter,” Ibas told lawmakers.

Despite these challenges, the administrator assured that the proposed framework had been updated to legally ratify earlier expenditures and remains in line with national fiscal standards. The budget, which projects N1.4 trillion in revenue against N1.48 trillion in spending, received presidential approval and was transmitted to the National Assembly following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the legality of the 2025 Rivers State appropriation process. It also aligns with the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027).

In his opening remarks, Ibas thanked the committee for its dedication.

“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.

Key Allocations

Ibas outlined major allocations in the proposed budget, including:

N324.5 billion for infrastructure  and transportation

N55 billion for the relocation and expansion of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

N50 billion for zonal hospital upgrades

N38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control

N30 billion for the construction of zonal secondary schools

N5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation

N2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment programs

N3 billion for youth resource centers

N20 billion to recapitalize the Rivers State Microfinance Bank for MSME support

N117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and 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 said.

Responding to the presentation, Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, praised the administrator’s detailed submission and reaffirmed the committee’s support for peace and development efforts in the state.

“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 emphasized the committee’s commitment to due process and transparency, noting that relevant state officials would be invited to defend the proposal in detail.

“We will scrutinize the budget. While we are committed to getting Rivers State back on track, we are not going to cut corners,” he said.

Ihonvbere also welcomed the inclusion of people-centered initiatives in the budget, particularly those focused on women’s empowerment and support for retirees.

“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 added.