The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has presented a proposed ₦1.48 trillion budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the House of Representatives, emphasizing a renewed focus on infrastructure, healthcare, and social welfare.
The budget presentation, which received prior approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, outlines key allocations including ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure development, ₦55 billion for the establishment of a state teaching hospital, ₦38.85 billion for erosion control projects, and ₦117 billion earmarked for pension payments.
In a startling revelation during the session, Ibas accused several suspended government officials of deliberately withholding critical data during the budget preparation process, describing it as an act of sabotage intended to frustrate the administration’s efforts. He said such actions had slowed down financial planning and delayed the collation of accurate projections.
“This administration is committed to rebuilding public trust and delivering on its mandate despite internal resistance,” Ibas declared, vowing that service delivery would not be compromised by what he described as “entrenched sabotage by a few self-serving elements.”
Responding to the presentation, the Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Services, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, commended the comprehensive nature of the budget but assured that the National Assembly would subject every item to rigorous scrutiny.
“We commend the strategic intent behind this proposal, but oversight remains critical. We will ensure this budget translates to measurable impact on the lives of Rivers people,” Ihonvbere stated.
The budget, which comes amid efforts to stabilize the governance structure in Rivers following political tensions, signals a bold step toward restoring public services and rebuilding infrastructure in the oil-rich state.