…Senate committee visits Rivers administrator
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas, has assured that the process to develop a new budget for the state is transparent and all-inclusive.
Ibas also solicited requisite legislative backing from the Senate to enable his administration achieve the enunciated programmes of action.
He said the programmes would ensure uninterrupted socioeconomic activities and the provision of vital infrastructures to support societal and economic growth, boost productivity, facilitate access to essential services and ultimately provide quality living for the people.
Ibas spoke when the Senate Committee on Works, led by its chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi, paid him a courtesy visit to Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The committee was accompanied by a delegation of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, led by the managing Director, Dr Peer Lubasch.
Ibas said their visit demonstrated the commitment of the National Assembly to the wellbeing of Rivers and her people.
He said his administration had continued to address issues of insecurity, and the infrastructural challenges critical to development.
Ibas said: “We are in the process of putting together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, as well as the continued infrastructural development of our state.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that this process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly, expediting.
The new budget, which is nearing finalisation, focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.
“As we moved forward with these initiatives, we need your continued support to help us secure necessary resources and legislative backing to bring them to fruition. Your partnership is critical to our success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”
Ibas further emphasized the prime position of Rivers in the economy of the country.
He said: “Rivers State, the treasure base of the nation and a key economic hub of the nation is home to vital infrastructure including roads, bridges, sea and air ports, oil and gas facilities, a Petro-chemical company, refineries and other essential facilities.
“However, as in most states of the nation, we are faced with challenges of maintaining and expanding these infrastructure due to various factors, including but not limited to resource constraints.”
The administrator requested their cooperation in securing the necessary federal support for infrastructural projects in the state.
He said: “You have listed most of the projects that are ongoing presently. These include both financial backing and the facilitation of speedy execution of federal projects that will contribute to our state’s growth.
“Your continued advocacy within the National Assembly will be instrumental in ensuring that Rivers State receives the attention and resources needed to succeed.”
Ibas explained that since assumption of office on the 20 of March, 2025, he had prioritised the restoration of peace and stability in Rivers.
He said the efforts had so far been focused on creating a conducive environment for investment, development and prosperity.
Read Also: Rivers preparing new budget, Ibas tells National Assembly Caucus
Ibas said: “We have engaged in productive consultation with key stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, traditional rulers, Local Government Heads, government officials and civil servants to restore the trust and stability needed for sustainable progress.
“I believe that with your support and continued collaboration, we can transform Rivers State into a model of peace, prosperity and development. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and create a future that is bright for all our people.”
In his address, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, said they were in the state to oversee some ongoing federal projects like the Bodo-Bonny link road and bridge, and the costal road project, which he said was 40 per cent complete and would benefit the state.
Mpigi said the state of emergency had played an intervention role in Rivers and urged the Administrator to do his best secure critical infrastructures, lives and properties of residents.