In his presentation of the state’s proposed 1.48 trillion 2025 budget to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Rivers State Sole Administrator Mr. Ibok-Ete Ibas unveiled a daring fiscal plan to boost social services, rebuild infrastructure, and promote inclusive growth while maintaining the current state of emergency.
However, he criticized several suspended state officials for their lack of collaboration, claiming that it prevented thorough budget planning.
After the Supreme Court ruled that the Rivers State 2025 appropriation procedure was valid, the budget—which totaled ₦1.48 trillion in expenditures and an estimated ₦1.4 trillion in revenue—was sent to the National Assembly with presidential assent. In accordance with the Rivers State Development Plan 2017–2027, it represents strategic priorities.
Ibas praised the committee for its commitment in his introductory remarks. We at Rivers State sincerely appreciate your dedication. You have demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to fulfilling your constitutional duties in spite of your busy schedules,” he remarked.
Ibas said, “Unfortunately, certain state officials concealed important information that was necessary to guarantee a more thorough accounting of the expenditures already made by the suspended administration during the first quarter of the fiscal year.”
In spite of the difficulties, he continued, the budget framework was changed to legitimately approve those expenses while maintaining openness and conformity to national appropriation guidelines.
The administrator emphasized a number of significant allocations:
Infrastructure and transportation projects will cost ₦324.5 billion; Rivers State University Teaching Hospital will be relocated and expanded for ₦55 billion; zonal hospital upgrades will cost ₦50 billion; shoreline protection and erosion control will cost ₦38.85 billion; zonal secondary schools and primary school rehabilitation will cost ₦30 billion and 5.75 billion, respectively; women’s economic empowerment and youth resource centers will cost ₦2.5 billion and 3 billion, respectively; Rivers State Microfinance Bank will be recapitalized for MSME support, costing ₦117 billion in pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits.
Regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or political affiliation, Ibas stated, “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.”
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, the chairman of the House of Representatives committee on oversight of Rivers State, responded by praising Ibas for the thorough presentation and reaffirming the committee’s willingness to work with the administrator to bring peace and progress back to Rivers State.
“This committee is dedicated to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State,” Ihonvbere stated, expressing gratitude in particular. This commitment is in place because Rivers has always been a bright example of what can be accomplished with effective leadership.
He emphasized the significance of carefully examining the suggested figures, saying:
“We’ll examine the budget closely. To properly defend the budget, we will ask you to send the appropriate officials. We won’t take any short cuts since we are dedicated to working with you to bring Rivers State back on track.
Important social welfare elements in the budget, like pensions for retirees and women’s empowerment, were also mentioned by Ihonvbere, who described them as essential and people-centered actions.
We are aware of the hardships faced by their families, and these are areas that have an impact on people’s life. We are grateful that you made these audacious promises,” he continued.
As parliamentarians continue to examine the proposal to guarantee budgetary restraint, accountability, and efficient execution in accordance with the emergency government framework, the committee is anticipated to start more budget defense sessions in the upcoming weeks.
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