Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has alleged that officials from the suspended state government deliberately concealed financial data, undermining efforts to construct a transparent 2025 budget.
Addressing the House of Representatives’ Ad-Hoc Oversight Committee on Wednesday, Ibas claimed the missing financial disclosures obstructed accurate reporting of expenditures made during the first quarter of 2025, prior to President Tinubu’s imposition of emergency rule in the state.
Ibas explained that while the proposed ₦1.48 trillion budget integrates available expenditure data, critical gaps remain due to non-cooperation from members of the previous administration. He described the understated spending records as “a cause for serious concern.”
“Some officials withheld key information essential to accurately reflect prior expenditures. Nevertheless, adjustments were made to ensure the budget ratifies previous spending in a legal and transparent way,” Ibas said.
He noted that in 2024, Rivers State exceeded its revenue target by over ₦250 billion, reaching ₦1.04 trillion, while reported spending was nearly ₦53 billion below projections. The 2025 budget anticipates revenues of ₦1.4 trillion, with ₦597.14 billion already received by May.
The proposed budget prioritises economic recovery and infrastructure. Highlights include ₦324.5 billion earmarked for roads and transport networks, ₦38.85 billion for environmental protection, and ₦10 billion for food security initiatives.
Health and education sectors will receive substantial funding, including ₦55 billion for upgrading the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and ₦30 billion for new secondary schools. Women’s empowerment and youth innovation programmes are also included, with ₦5.5 billion allocated across the two areas.
Ibas added that budget provisions had been maintained for the offices of suspended officials, with expectations that they may resume duties after the emergency period concludes.
In response, Committee Chairman Hon. Julius Ihonvbere praised the administrator for his transparency and commitment to rebuilding trust.
“This committee will diligently examine the budget. We are determined to support Rivers State’s return to stability without compromising due process,” Ihonvbere said.
