Rivers State Sole Administrator, Mr. Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Tuesday presented a ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget to the House of Representatives, outlining a recovery-focused plan aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, improving public services, and promoting inclusive development under the state of emergency.
The presentation comes amid mounting pressure on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate democratic governance in Rivers. In March, Tinubu declared emergency rule, suspending the elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Ordu, and the entire House of Assembly following a prolonged power struggle between the executive and legislature.
Ibas, who presented the budget on Wednesday, noted that lack of cooperation from some suspended officials hindered the full capture of expenditures from the first quarter. Nonetheless, he said the fiscal plan was revised to account for those expenditures in line with national standards and with presidential approval.
The budget, projecting ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, is pending a Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the state’s appropriation process. It aligns with the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027).
In his address, Ibas thanked lawmakers for their support, stating, “We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment. Despite tight schedules, you’ve remained dedicated to your constitutional duties.”
He also assured that the budget prioritises transparency and inclusivity, promising that “every Rivers citizen with a viable, well-planned idea will find funding, regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or politics.”
The budget features key allocations: ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transport, ₦55 billion to relocate and expand the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, ₦50 billion for zonal hospital upgrades, ₦38.85 billion for erosion control, ₦30 billion for zonal secondary schools, and ₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation. Social investments include ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment, ₦3 billion for youth resource centres, ₦20 billion to recapitalise the Rivers State Microfinance Bank for MSMEs, and ₦117 billion for pensions and employee benefits.
House Committee Chairman on Rivers State Oversight, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, praised the budget’s clarity and pledged the committee’s cooperation. “We are committed to restoring stability, peace, and development to Rivers State,” he said. Ihonvbere emphasized the need for transparency and thorough scrutiny, confirming that officials would be invited for budget defence.
He also lauded the people-focused provisions, especially pensions and social welfare programs, calling them vital for citizens’ well-being. “These are areas that directly impact lives. We commend your bold commitments,” he added.
Budget defence sessions are expected to begin in the coming weeks, as lawmakers review the proposal to ensure accountability, fiscal discipline, and effective implementation under the emergency governance framework.
