Rivers State Sole Administrator Decries Withheld Financial Data, Defends ₦1.48 Trillion 2025 Budget Proposal
Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has raised concerns over the lack of cooperation from certain officials of the suspended administration led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
According to Ibas, some of these officials deliberately withheld crucial financial information, thereby complicating efforts to craft a transparent and credible budget for the 2025 fiscal year.
He made this disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja during a session with the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight. The session was convened to examine the proposed ₦1.48 trillion budget for the state.
Ibas expressed frustration that expenditure reports from the previous administration were significantly understated, limiting the accuracy and completeness of the budget proposal.
“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,” Ibas stated.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that the draft budget incorporates all available data up to the submission date to ensure compliance with statutory budgetary processes and safeguard the integrity of public financial management.
The Sole Administrator highlighted that the proposed budget is not only designed to address current developmental challenges but also anticipates a return to constitutional governance, including the possible reinstatement of Governor Fubara and other suspended officials.
“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,” he explained.
According to Ibas, the 2025 budget aligns with the broader goals of the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027). It outlines a strategic and integrated approach to raising revenue, accelerating infrastructure development, enhancing human capital, and promoting inclusive economic growth across all sectors.
Key allocations in the budget include ₦324.50 billion for infrastructure and transportation projects, ₦55 billion for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, ₦50 billion for the upgrade of zonal hospitals, and ₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control.
Additionally, ₦30 billion is earmarked for zonal secondary school projects, ₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation, ₦3 billion for youth resource centres, and ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment programmes.
The proposal also includes a ₦20 billion provision to recapitalise the Rivers State Microfinance Bank, aimed at boosting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and ₦117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits.
The total expenditure for the proposed budget stands at ₦1.48 trillion, with projected revenue estimated at ₦1.4 trillion. The budget was transmitted to the National Assembly after receiving presidential approval, following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the legality of the state’s 2025 appropriation process.
Commending Ibas for the detailed presentation, the Chairman of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting the Sole Administrator in restoring peace and development in the state.
“We will scrutinise the budget thoroughly and invite your relevant officials for a proper defence. While we stand ready to collaborate with you to bring Rivers State back on track, we will not compromise on due process,” Ihonvbere said.
He also praised the people-focused components of the budget, particularly those addressing social welfare such as pensions and women’s empowerment. “These are areas that directly affect the lives of our citizens. Your bold commitments in this regard are both commendable and necessary,” he added.
In his opening remarks, Ibas had earlier expressed gratitude to the committee for its dedication. “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.