Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reported significant strides in infrastructure and revenue generation despite inheriting an unprecedented ₦200bn billion debt from 34 uncompleted projects
Governor Fubara detailed his administration’s accomplishments during a public presentation marking one year in office. Despite initial political challenges, he has prioritized completing the inherited projects and initiated new ones, including the Port Harcourt Ring Road and Trans-Kalabari Road, with a combined value exceeding ₦500 billion. Only the Port Harcourt Ring Road is financed through loans; other projects draw from accumulated savings.
Fubara highlighted a robust increase in Rivers State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), from ₦12 billion to approximately ₦28 billion per month. This growth stems from efforts to improve the business environment and reduce crime. An IGR advisory team, chaired by Fubara, has been instrumental in these financial gains. Furthermore, a ₦40 billion matching fund with the Bank of Industry has been established, providing low-interest loans to bolster the local economy.
In education, the Fubara administration has allocated over ₦25 billion, covering textbook supplies, examination fees, and scholarships. Significant funds have been directed towards improving educational infrastructure and supporting various academic initiatives.
Healthcare investments include completing 10 medical infrastructure projects and combating a Lassa fever outbreak with over ₦200 million. The governor also cited the commissioning of the Kelsy Harrisson Memorial Hospital and the expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, among other healthcare enhancements.
Addressing the 10,000 civil service jobs, Fubara revised the initial list, which was politically motivated, to include younger candidates. He also promised to pay student bursaries but refrained from commenting on certain healthcare facilities built by the previous administration.
Governor Fubara concluded by unveiling his administration’s scorecard, committing to further progress and aspiring to make Rivers State one of Nigeria’s best.
