The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), in defending the proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget of the state assured that the proposal aligned with the Rivers State 2017-2027 Development Plan.
Ibas, who appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on the Oversight of Rivers state under the emergency rule, Wednesday also stated that it was an ambitious fiscal framework aimed at restoring infrastructure, improving social services, and promoting inclusive development amid the ongoing state of emergency in the state.
He expressed concern over the lack of cooperation from some suspended state officials, which, he said, was hampering comprehensive budget planning.
“The budget, comprising ₦1.48 trillion in proposed expenditure and a projected ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, was transmitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval and the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming the legality of the Rivers state 2025 Appropriation process. It aligns with the strategic priorities outlined in the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027)…
“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,” he stated.
He also assured that the budget framework had been revised to legally ratify those expenditures while ensuring transparency and alignment with national standards.