Rivers 2025 Budget Anticipates Fubara’s Return — Ibas
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has revealed that the proposed ₦1.48tn 2025 budget was prepared with the expectation of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders returning to office.
Ibas made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight.
He explained that the budget aligns with the Rivers State Development Plan 2017–2027 and was structured to raise revenue, fast-track infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and promote inclusive economic growth.
“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 at the expiration of the emergency period,” he said.
However, Ibas accused some unnamed state officials of withholding vital information during the budget preparation.
“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 said.
He added that the budget framework integrates available expenditure information to lawfully and transparently ratify first-quarter spending while maintaining fiscal credibility.
The ₦1.48tn budget includes a projected revenue of ₦1.4tn. It was forwarded to the National Assembly after receiving presidential approval following a Supreme Court ruling that validated the state’s appropriation process.
Ibas listed key allocations, including ₦324.50bn for infrastructure and transportation, ₦55bn for the expansion and relocation of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, ₦50bn for zonal hospital upgrades, ₦38.85bn for shoreline protection, ₦30bn for zonal secondary schools, and ₦5.75bn for primary school rehabilitation.
Other provisions include ₦2.5bn for women’s economic empowerment, ₦3bn for youth resource centres, ₦20bn for recapitalising the Rivers State Microfinance Bank, and ₦117bn for pensions and gratuities.
Committee Chairman Prof Julius Ihonvbere praised Ibas’ presentation and affirmed the committee’s readiness to work with him to restore peace and stability in Rivers State.
“We will scrutinise the budget. We will invite you to send your relevant officials for proper defence. While we are committed to helping Rivers State get back on track, we will not cut corners,” he said.
He also commended the inclusion of social welfare components like women’s empowerment and pensions, describing them as people-centred and impactful.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
