Ibas: Rivers 2025 budget makes provision for Fubara’s return

Ibok-Ete Ibas, sole administrator of Rivers, says the proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 budget includes provisions for Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, and other suspended political officeholders.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Ibas told the house of representatives ad hoc committee on Rivers oversight that the budget aligns with the state’s 2017–2027 development plan.

He described the budget as “a strategic and integrated framework designed to raise revenues and accelerate infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and promote inclusive economic growth across all sectors”.

“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.

Ibas expressed concern over the lack of cooperation from some state officials, whom he accused of withholding essential data needed to prepare the budget.

“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 explained that despite these gaps, first-quarter expenditure data was incorporated to maintain fiscal discipline.

“This is to ensure alignment with statutory appropriation protocols while safeguarding the integrity of public finance management,” he said.

The N1.48 trillion budget, with a projected revenue of N1.4 trillion, was forwarded to the national assembly after receiving presidential approval, following a supreme court ruling affirming its legality.

INFRASTRUCTURE, HEALTH, LEAD BUDGET SPENDING

Ibas outlined key allocations, including N324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation, N55 billion for relocating and expanding the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, and N50 billion for zonal hospital upgrades.

He said N38.85 billion was earmarked for shoreline protection and erosion control.

According to the sole administrator, N30 billion was allocated to zonal secondary schools, N5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation, N2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment, and N3 billion for youth resource centres.

He said N20 billion was provided to recapitalise the state’s microfinance bank, while N117 billion was allocated to pensions and employee benefits.

‘WE’LL SCRUTINISE THE BUDGET’

Julius Ihonvbere, chairman of the committee, praised Ibas for the clarity of his presentation.

“This committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State,” Ihonvbere said.

“We will scrutinise the budget… We are not going to cut corners.”

He added that the welfare components of the budget are commendable.

“These are areas that touch people’s lives… We appreciate you for making these bold commitments,” the lawmaker said.