The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Bokeet Ibas, has formally presented a revised 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Senate Committee, raising the state’s budget from an earlier estimate of N1.1 trillion to N1.846 trillion.
Mr. Ibas explained in a plenary in Rivers State that the adjustment was necessary to accommodate first-quarter expenditures incurred before President Bala Minable GCFR declared a state of emergency in the state. He emphasized that the revised budget aligns with constitutional provisions and was made in response to new data made available after the initial submission.
According to the Sole Administrator, the President graciously approved the budget framework and transmitted it to the National Assembly for consideration. Ibas said the budget was developed under tight timelines and complex political circumstances but was crafted to meet both short-term demands and long-term development goals.
As of May 31, 2025, Rivers State had recorded over N415 billion in revenue, representing an 8% increase above the N383 billion earlier projected. He argued that this performance justified the increase in the overall expenditure ceiling.
The 2025 budget proposal prioritizes security and infrastructure, with N324.51 billion allocated to high-impact road and transport projects aimed at boosting connectivity and commerce. An additional N38.85 billion is earmarked for shoreline protection, land reclamation, and erosion control to safeguard vulnerable communities from environmental degradation.
To boost food production and improve rural livelihoods, the state is investing N10 billion in food security programs focused on rice, cassava, maize, oil palm, poultry, and coconut. Another N3.5 billion has been set aside for agricultural mechanization, with projections to generate over 16,000 jobs if sustained.
In the health sector, N55 billion has been allocated for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. Zonal hospitals are also set to receive N50 billion for upgrades, while another N50 billion has been budgeted for a drug revolving fund to ensure the continuous supply of essential medicines.
The education sector will benefit from N30 billion dedicated to zonal secondary schools, N5.75 billion for the rehabilitation of primary schools, and N1.5 billion for the development of special schools aimed at promoting inclusive education.
The administrator said that the budget demonstrates a strong commitment to social inclusion. He announced N2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment and N3 billion for establishing a youth resource center to promote capacity building, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
In the area of housing and urban renewal, the budget allocates N25 billion to develop affordable housing for middle-income families and rehabilitate state-owned estates. These projects are expected to decongest urban areas and stimulate job creation in the construction sector.
Welfare and labor protection are also key focus areas. The state will commit over N117 billion to pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits, including N50 billion to begin settling outstanding pension arrears. Ibas said this marks a decisive step toward restoring dignity to the civil service. The implementation of a new group life insurance scheme and employee compensation reflects global best practices in labor policy.
To support small businesses and grassroots development, the Rivers State government plans to recapitalize the state-owned Microfinance Bank with N20 billion. This, he said, would enhance access to affordable credit for micro, small, and medium enterprises, particularly those owned by youths and women.
Mr. Ibas stressed that the revised budget includes lawful provisions to regularize spending already incurred by the suspended administration. He also noted that the budget makes room for the eventual return of suspended political actors, ensuring institutional continuity and democratic accountability.
He concluded by emphasizing that the 2025 budget is not just a financial document but a strategic framework for sustainable development, security stabilization, and social equity.
The Senate Committee has since moved into a closed-door technical session to scrutinize the proposal. Members of the press and non-committee participants were asked to excuse the chamber. The committee promised to provide updates after deliberations.
