River State Administrator Defends N1.48 Trillion 2025 Budget Amidst Emergency Rule
Abuja, Nigeria – The Administrator of River State, Iboket Abbas, has appeared before the National Assembly's ADA Committee on State of Emergency Rule to defend the proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 budget for the state. The committee has pledged to conduct thorough due diligence as it scrutinizes the fiscal document.
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in River State on March 18th, 2025, following a prolonged political crisis in the South-South region. Former Chief of Staff, Ibok Abbas, assumed office as the Administrator nearly three months ago, tasked with stabilizing the state and overseeing its governance.
The proposed 2025 budget, which seeks National Assembly approval in line with constitutional provisions, aims to spend N1.48 trillion. This figure is significantly higher than the state's total revenue in 2024, which stood at N1.04 trillion, exceeding the target of N800.39 billion by N250 billion, or 31.6%.
However, Abbas has raised concerns regarding the 2024 budget's actual performance, alleging that some officials understated expenditures. He emphasized that the proposed 2025 budget aligns with the strategic objectives outlined in the River State 10-year development plan (2017-2027).
As of May 2025, River State's total revenue inflows were N597.14 billion, approximately 4% shy of projections. The Administrator expressed confidence that the implementation of the 2025 budget will deliver significant socioeconomic benefits, including a N50 billion provision to address long-standing issues concerning pensions and gratuities owed to retirees.
The ADA Committee has requested a record of the administration's performance since Abbas assumed office. The committee affirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Administrator to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in River State.
Abbas stated that the budget proposal reinforces President Tinubu's directive to prioritize the state's development and ensure the continuity of programs directly impacting the lives and livelihoods of River State's citizens.
