The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has said the proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget makes provisions for the anticipated return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Ibas explained that the draft budget aligns with the state’s 2017–2027 Development Plan and is aimed at driving infrastructure growth, enhancing human capital, and promoting inclusive economic progress.

Ibas revealed that despite the ongoing state of emergency, allocations for suspended officials were retained, noting that some had already accessed funds in the first quarter. He, however, lamented the refusal of some state officials to provide necessary data for the budget.

The ₦1.48tn budget includes projected revenue of ₦1.4tn and received presidential approval following a Supreme Court ruling on its legality. Key allocations include ₦324.5bn for infrastructure, ₦55bn for Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, ₦50bn for zonal hospital upgrades, ₦38.85bn for erosion control, and ₦117bn for pensions and employee benefits.

House Committee Chairman Prof. Julius Ihonvbere commended Ibas for his detailed presentation and pledged the committee’s support in restoring peace and development to the state. He emphasized the importance of social welfare provisions, such as women’s empowerment and pension support, calling them “people-centred interventions.”