Rivers State Discloses ₦302bn Spending Amid SERAP Case

The Rivers State government revealed that it spent ₦302 billion from March to August 2025 during the administration of former sole administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas. This disclosure was made in response to a legal challenge by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which is pursuing a case for transparency in government spending.

The case, marked PHC/4153/CS/2025, is being presided over by Justice S.H. Aprioku, who seeks to compel the government to provide full transparency regarding its expenditures during the six-month emergency rule period.

The affidavit indicates that Rivers State received ₦253.48 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and an additional ₦44.87 billion, totaling approximately ₦298.35 billion in inflows. The document highlights significant spending patterns, including ₦112.4 billion on salaries and pensions, and ₦163.44 billion allocated to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

The court has adjourned the matter to May 19, 2026, for further hearings.