Rivers State Administrator Ibas Presents ₦1.48 Trillion 2025 Budget, Decries Sabotage by Suspended Officials
— Lawmakers Pledge Rigorous Scrutiny and Development Support
By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Wednesday formally presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill amounting to ₦1.48 trillion before the House of Representatives, detailing a budget aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, boosting healthcare and education, and fostering economic empowerment under an emergency governance framework.
The proposed budget, approved by the President and transmitted to the National Assembly following a Supreme Court ruling on its legality, outlines ₦1.48 trillion in expenditure against a projected ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, aligned with the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027).
However, Ibas expressed concern over internal sabotage, citing a lack of cooperation from suspended state officials who allegedly withheld vital data from the first quarter of 2025.
“Some officials failed to release critical information, undermining our ability to capture actual expenditures made under the previous administration,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Ibas affirmed that the revised fiscal framework aims to ratify past spending legally while ensuring alignment with national budgeting standards and transparency mandates.
Key Budget Allocations:
- ₦324.5 billion – Infrastructure & Transportation
- ₦55 billion – Relocation & Expansion of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
- ₦50 billion – Zonal Hospital Upgrades
- ₦38.85 billion – Shoreline Protection & Erosion Control
- ₦30 billion – Zonal Secondary Schools
- ₦5.75 billion – Primary School Rehabilitation
- ₦3 billion – Youth Resource Centers
- ₦2.5 billion – Women’s Economic Empowerment
- ₦20 billion – Recapitalization of Rivers Microfinance Bank for MSMEs
- ₦117 billion – Pension, Gratuities & Employee Benefits
“Every Rivers citizen with a well-thought-out idea—regardless of tribe or political affiliation—will find support to succeed,” Ibas assured.
Legislative Backing with Checks
Responding, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers State Oversight, praised the clarity of the budget presentation and pledged legislative cooperation, stating:
“This committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, growth, and peace in Rivers State. But we will ensure thorough scrutiny.”
He added that the National Assembly would invite relevant officials to defend the budget allocations, emphasizing transparency and fiscal accountability.
“Social welfare components like women’s empowerment and pensions show you’re listening to the people. We commend that,” Ihonvbere said.
Next Steps
The House is expected to begin budget defence hearings in the coming weeks. Lawmakers aim to guarantee that the budget meets the standards of fiscal discipline, citizen-focused development, and the emergency governance framework currently in place.
