Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Rivers State Government has affirmed that its 2025 budget process will be more transparent and inclusive than ever before, as announced by the State Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Ibas, during a press briefing on Thursday. Ibas assured stakeholders that the state’s fiscal planning and budgeting process would now involve broader public participation, increased accountability, and enhanced transparency, reflecting the administration’s commitment to good governance and the welfare of the people.
The 2025 state budget is set to introduce several reforms in the way financial resources are allocated and managed, with a strong emphasis on making the process more accessible to the public and ensuring that residents’ voices are heard in the planning stages.
A Commitment to Transparency and Inclusivity
During the briefing, Commissioner Isaac Ibas emphasized that the Rivers State Government is committed to running a transparent budget process where citizens can easily access relevant financial information. He explained that the move is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize the state’s governance structure and create a more inclusive environment for decision-making.
“We recognize that the budget is a critical document that impacts every aspect of the state’s development. It is important that our people are not only informed about how resources are being allocated, but also that they have the opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process,” Ibas said. “This administration is committed to ensuring that the budget process is transparent, inclusive, and open to all stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society organizations, and the general public.”
Ibas stressed that the new approach was designed to ensure that the needs and priorities of the people of Rivers State are reflected in the state’s financial planning, especially as the state moves forward in its development. He noted that, historically, many residents felt disconnected from the budget process, with decisions often made in a closed-off manner. This perception, according to Ibas, has now changed with the introduction of more inclusive strategies to ensure that the public has access to the information and opportunities to contribute their input.
The Role of Public Participation
A key component of the new process, according to Ibas, is the active involvement of citizens in the budget formulation. He outlined that the Rivers State Government has introduced consultations with key community stakeholders and the general public at various levels. These consultations will take place through town hall meetings, focus group discussions, and an online portal where citizens can submit their opinions and suggestions about how the budget should be structured.
“Through these engagements, we want to gather feedback from the people who will ultimately benefit from the budget,” Ibas explained. “Our goal is to make the budget a reflection of the people’s needs, rather than being an arbitrary decision made by a select few. By involving communities in the process, we ensure that priorities such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security are adequately funded based on the desires and needs of the people.”
In addition to the physical town hall meetings, the Rivers State Government has also launched a digital platform where citizens can track the budget process in real time, submit proposals, and ask questions. This platform will allow for greater visibility and participation, even for those who may not be able to attend the physical meetings. Ibas emphasized that the aim was to eliminate any barriers to participation and ensure that every eligible citizen has a voice in shaping the state’s financial priorities.
Key Budget Focus Areas
Ibas also highlighted some of the key focus areas for the 2025 budget, which include critical infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation. The state government is also prioritizing the completion of ongoing projects and enhancing the capacity of public institutions to better serve the needs of the people.
“The 2025 budget is centered on economic growth, improved social services, and infrastructural development. We have identified key areas where immediate interventions are necessary, and we are committed to ensuring that funds are allocated accordingly,” Ibas said. “We are also focusing on the completion of ongoing projects that are crucial for the long-term development of Rivers State.”
In terms of infrastructure, the government is looking to invest heavily in road construction and rehabilitation, particularly in rural areas. This is seen as essential to improving access to markets, healthcare, and education facilities. Ibas also mentioned that the Rivers State Government would increase investment in education, particularly at the primary and secondary school levels, to ensure that the future of the state is anchored on a well-educated population.
“We know that a strong education system is key to a brighter future for our children and youth. That’s why we are giving it a central place in our budget, and we are committed to improving the quality of education across the state,” he added.
In healthcare, Ibas assured that the budget would address the ongoing need for medical facilities, equipment, and personnel, with a special focus on primary healthcare and the upgrading of state hospitals. This is in response to the increasing demand for healthcare services, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strengthening Accountability
Another critical aspect of the new budget process is the increased emphasis on accountability and oversight. Ibas explained that the Rivers State Government is committed to making the budget process more transparent by providing detailed reports on how funds are spent. He mentioned that periodic reports will be made available to the public through various channels, including the government’s website and traditional media.
“We are taking transparency and accountability very seriously. The public deserves to know how their money is being spent, and we are committed to ensuring that taxpayers’ funds are used responsibly,” said Ibas. “To achieve this, we will be working closely with state auditors and civil society organizations to ensure that the budget is implemented in a way that aligns with our stated goals.”
He also noted that the government would continue to work with the State House of Assembly to ensure that budget allocations are adhered to, and any issues related to misuse of funds would be promptly addressed.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Reactions from stakeholders to the announcement have been largely positive, with many expressing support for the increased transparency and public participation in the budget process. Several civil society groups have welcomed the move, calling it a step in the right direction for good governance.
“We are excited about the steps that the Rivers State Government is taking to include the public in the budget process,” said Ngozi Eze, a representative of a local civil society organization. “This will not only increase public trust in the government, but it will also ensure that the budget truly reflects the needs and desires of the people.”
Political analysts have also praised the new budget approach, saying it has the potential to improve the overall development trajectory of Rivers State. They believe that increased inclusivity and transparency will promote more efficient resource allocation and create an environment of accountability that can positively impact governance in the state.
Conclusion
Rivers State’s 2025 budget process marks a significant shift towards greater transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. With a focus on community engagement and public participation, the government is striving to ensure that every Rivers resident has a voice in shaping the future of the state. As the process moves forward, the government’s commitment to good governance will be tested, and the successful implementation of this new approach will be critical to achieving long-term, sustainable development in the state.
Through these reforms, the Rivers State Government hopes to set a precedent for other states in Nigeria, demonstrating that a more open and inclusive budget process can be both effective and empowering for citizens.
