The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Mr. Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Tuesday formally presented the state’s 2025 budget proposal to the House of Representatives.
The financial blueprint, valued at ₦1.48 trillion, outlines a robust plan for infrastructural revival, social service improvement, and inclusive economic development—all within the context of the state of emergency currently governing the region.
Mr. Ibas began his presentation by expressing deep appreciation to the lawmakers for their commitment to national duty. Despite the House’s demanding schedule, he acknowledged their dedication to providing oversight and legislative support during a pivotal period for Rivers State. He further noted that the proposed budget reflects the principles and objectives laid out in the Rivers State Development Plan for 2017 to 2027.
Addressing a key challenge in the budgeting process, the administrator lamented that some suspended government officials withheld important data, limiting the accuracy and completeness of expenditure details for the early part of the fiscal year.
He described this as a serious impediment to sound financial planning. Nevertheless, he reassured the committee that the current budget framework had been adjusted to account for such gaps, ensuring all prior expenditures were legally ratified and that fiscal operations remained transparent and in accordance with national standards.
The budget, which projects ₦1.4 trillion in revenue against an expenditure of ₦1.48 trillion, was submitted to the National Assembly after receiving presidential approval. This move followed a Supreme Court ruling that clarified the legal process for the state’s 2025 appropriation plan.
Mr. Ibas detailed significant allocations across various sectors, including a ₦324.5 billion investment in infrastructure and transportation to address longstanding deficits. Health services also received considerable attention, with ₦55 billion set aside for relocating and expanding the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and ₦50 billion earmarked for upgrading zonal hospitals.
Shoreline protection and erosion control will absorb ₦38.85 billion, while ₦30 billion is planned for zonal secondary school development. An additional ₦5.75 billion is designated for rehabilitating primary schools, underlining the administration’s push to restore the quality of foundational education.
In efforts to boost social inclusion, ₦2.5 billion has been assigned for women’s economic empowerment programmes, and ₦3 billion is reserved for establishing youth resource centres. To support local entrepreneurship and job creation, the administration will inject ₦20 billion into the Rivers State Microfinance Bank to enhance micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) access to capital. The budget also commits ₦117 billion towards pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits, reinforcing the government’s resolve to address the welfare of retired civil servants and public employees.
“God willing, every Rivers citizen with a great idea, carefully thought out and well-planned, will find the funding required to turn their dreams into successful ventures, irrespective of tribe, ethnicity, or political divide,” Mr. Ibas said, reaffirming his vision for an inclusive and opportunity-driven state economy.
Responding to the presentation, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers State oversight, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, praised the administrator for the clarity and substance of his address. He expressed the committee’s readiness to work in close partnership with the state leadership to ensure peace, stability, and sustained growth. According to Ihonvbere, Rivers State has historically set a benchmark for progress through strong governance, and the current efforts aim to continue that legacy.
While pledging support, the committee chairman also stressed the importance of financial scrutiny. He noted that the proposed figures would undergo thorough evaluation and that relevant state officials would be called upon to defend specific components of the budget. “We will scrutinise the budget. We will invite you to send your relevant officials for a proper defence of the budget,” Ihonvbere said, assuring the administrator that the process would be rigorous yet collaborative.
He particularly commended provisions in the budget that target human development, such as initiatives for women and pensioners. These, he noted, represent policies with tangible impacts on the lives of ordinary citizens and signal a government attentive to social realities.
“These are areas that touch people’s lives, and we know the plight of their families. We appreciate you for making these bold commitments,” he said.
With further budget defence sessions set to commence in the coming weeks, the National Assembly will continue its evaluation of the proposal to ensure that it meets standards of accountability, fiscal discipline, and policy effectiveness. The scrutiny is expected to reflect the emergency structure under which the state is currently operating, placing extra emphasis on transparency and efficient service delivery.
What you should know
Rivers State’s 2025 budget, totaling ₦1.48 trillion, aims to repair infrastructure, expand healthcare and education, and empower youth and women amid an ongoing state of emergency.
Presented by Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, the proposal awaits legislative scrutiny, with lawmakers pledging support while demanding transparency and budgetary defence.
