Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), on Wednesday told the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight that the proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget includes provisions for the eventual return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.

Speaking during the budget defence session in Abuja, Ibas said the draft budget was prepared in alignment with the state’s 2017–2027 Development Plan and aims to maintain continuity of governance under the expectation of a return to constitutional order.

“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,” Ibas said.

He explained that the ₦1.48tn expenditure plan, matched with projected revenue of ₦1.4tn, was structured to raise revenues, accelerate infrastructure development, build human capital, and promote inclusive growth.

The budget was transmitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval and a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legality of the appropriation process under the current state of emergency.

However, Ibas revealed that budget preparations faced obstacles due to non-cooperation from certain state officials.

“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.

Despite these setbacks, he said, the administration acted within the legal framework to incorporate available data and validate first-quarter expenditures.

“Recognising the exigencies under the state of emergency and the need to ensure fiscal credibility, the budget framework integrates expenditure information made available before the submission of the budget proposal to ratify the first quarter expenditures in a lawful and transparent structure,” he added.

Key allocations in the budget include ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transport projects; ₦55 billion for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital; ₦50 billion for zonal hospital upgrades; ₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control; ₦30 billion for zonal secondary school development; ₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation; ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment; ₦3 billion for youth resource centres; ₦20 billion for the recapitalisation of Rivers State Microfinance Bank to support SMEs; and ₦117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits.

Earlier in his address, Ibas expressed gratitude to the committee for its oversight role and pledged transparency in the execution of the budget.

“We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment. “Despite your tight schedules, you have shown unwavering resolve to fulfil your constitutional duties,” he said.

In his response, Committee Chairman and House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere commended the administrator’s presentation and stressed the need for budgetary discipline and transparency.
“I want to especially thank you and let you know that this committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State,” Ihonvbere said.

He added that the committee would scrutinise the proposal thoroughly and ensure all stakeholders are held accountable.

“We will invite you to send your relevant officials for a proper defence of the budget. In as much as we are committed to joining hands with you to get Rivers State back on track, we are not going to cut corners,” Ihonvbere said.

He also lauded the social welfare components of the budget, including women’s empowerment and pension payments, as “bold and people-centred” measures.

“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.