The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Wednesday, defended the state’s proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 budget before the Ad-hoc Committee of the House of Representatives, oversighting the state’s affairs under the current state of emergency.
The committee, chaired by House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, was constituted following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Presenting the budget, Mr. Ibas explained that the proposal was crafted to reflect the President’s directive and to promote inclusive development across all sectors. He confirmed that the proposed budget, which had already been reviewed by the Presidency, had been transmitted to the National Assembly in line with constitutional procedures.
“Our proposed budget for 2025 reflects both the President’s vision for the state and the strategic goals of the Rivers State Development Plan 2017–2027,” Ibas told lawmakers. He emphasized a focus on revenue generation, infrastructure renewal, human capital investment, and inclusive economic growth.
According to the budget breakdown, Rivers State is targeting total revenue of N1.4 trillion, with N597.14 billion already realised by May 2025, just 4 per cent shy of projections. The proposed expenditure of N1.48 trillion includes significant allocations for infrastructure and social welfare.
A substantial portion of the budget is allocated to roads, bridges, and transport infrastructure to enhance urban-rural connectivity. Additional funds are dedicated to shoreline protection, land reclamation, and erosion control. The administration has also proposed counterpart funding to unlock external resources for rural access roads and agricultural market development.
Agricultural initiatives include investments in food security and mechanization, with job creation projections exceeding 16,000 direct and indirect opportunities over the next two years.
In the health sector, N55 billion is allocated for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. Another N50 billion is earmarked for zonal hospital upgrades, while a Drug Revolving Fund will receive N5 billion to ensure consistent medical supplies across the state.
On education, the budget proposes N30 billion for zonal secondary school development and N5.75 billion for the rehabilitation of primary schools, with a strong emphasis on inclusive education. Empowerment and social programs include N2.5 billion for women’s economic initiatives and N3 billion to establish a Youth Resource Center geared toward innovation and entrepreneurship.
The budget also provides for the rehabilitation of housing estates and a robust allocation to pensions and gratuities, with over N117 billion set aside, N50 billion of which is dedicated to clearing arrears. To support small businesses, N20 billion is proposed to recapitalise the Rivers State Microfinance Bank.
Further provisions include allocations for employee compensation, group life insurance, disaster mitigation, and climate resilience programs.
Mr. Ibas acknowledged limitations in accessing complete financial data due to a lack of cooperation from officials of the suspended administration. However, he assured the lawmakers that all available information had been consolidated to ensure transparency and accountability.
He concluded that the budget was a direct response to President Tinubu’s mandate and the realities of administering the state under emergency conditions.
“This budget reinforces Mr. President’s directive to sustain critical government functions and ensure continuity in programs that directly impact the lives and livelihoods of Rivers people. God willing, every citizen with a great idea will find the support to build a better future, irrespective of tribe or political affiliation,” Ibas said.
The House committee is expected to continue its review of the proposal before presenting a comprehensive report to the full chamber.
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