Rivers State Sole Administrator Presents ₦1.48 Trillion 2025 Budget to House of Representatives

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Mr. Ibok-Ete Ibas, presented the state’s proposed 2025 budget of ₦1.48 trillion to the House of Representatives. The fiscal framework, designed to restore infrastructure, enhance social services, and promote inclusive development, aligns with the Rivers State Development Plan 2017–2027 and comes under the ongoing state of emergency. The budget, which projects ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, was transmitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval and a Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the state’s 2025 appropriation process.

In his address to the House Committee, Ibas expressed gratitude for their dedication to constitutional duties despite their demanding schedules. “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, acknowledging the lawmakers’ role in ensuring the budget’s scrutiny and approval.

However, Ibas highlighted significant challenges in the budget preparation process, citing a lack of cooperation from some suspended state officials. “Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of expenditures already undertaken during the first quarter of the fiscal year by the suspended administration,” he disclosed. Despite these obstacles, the administration revised the budget framework to lawfully ratify prior expenditures while maintaining transparency and adherence to national appropriation standards.

Key Budget Allocations

The ₦1.48 trillion budget outlines strategic investments across critical sectors to drive development and improve the quality of life for Rivers State residents. Major allocations include:

• ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation projects, aimed at rebuilding and expanding the state’s road networks, bridges, and public transport systems.
• ₦55 billion for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, enhancing healthcare access and quality.
• ₦50 billion for upgrades to zonal hospitals, ensuring improved medical services across the state.
• ₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control to address environmental challenges in coastal communities.
• ₦30 billion for the development of zonal secondary schools, strengthening the state’s education system.
• ₦5.75 billion for the rehabilitation of primary schools to improve foundational education.
• ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment programs, fostering gender-inclusive economic growth.
• ₦3 billion for youth resource centers to support skill development and entrepreneurship among young people.
• ₦20 billion to recapitalize the Rivers State Microfinance Bank, boosting support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• ₦117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits, ensuring the welfare of public sector workers.

A Vision for Inclusive Development

Ibas emphasized the budget’s focus on inclusive growth, stating, “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.” This commitment reflects the administration’s goal of fostering an environment where all residents can thrive, supported by strategic investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

The budget’s approval by the National Assembly is a critical step in addressing Rivers State’s developmental challenges, particularly under the state of emergency. The administration’s efforts to align the fiscal plan with national standards and the long-term Rivers State Development Plan demonstrate a commitment to transparency and sustainable growth.

Challenges and Transparency

The lack of cooperation from some suspended officials posed a significant hurdle in capturing accurate expenditure data for the first quarter of 2025. Despite this, Ibas assured the House that the budget was carefully revised to account for these expenditures while maintaining fiscal discipline. The administration’s proactive approach to addressing these challenges underscores its dedication to accountability and effective governance.

Next Steps

With the budget now before the National Assembly, lawmakers will review the proposed allocations to ensure they meet the needs of Rivers State residents while adhering to constitutional and legal standards. The Supreme Court’s ruling on the appropriation process has paved the way for a streamlined review, and stakeholders are optimistic about the budget’s potential to drive transformative development in the state.

As Rivers State navigates its state of emergency, the 2025 budget represents a bold step toward rebuilding infrastructure, improving social services, and fostering inclusive economic growth. The administration’s focus on transparency, accountability, and strategic investments positions Rivers State for a brighter future, with opportunities for all citizens to contribute to and benefit from the state’s progress.