Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara reported inheriting ₦200 billion in debt on uncompleted projects but scored his administration high over the past year despite facing unprecedented political challenges.
Fubara highlighted his achievements in infrastructure development, stating that he inherited 34 uncompleted projects across various Local Government Areas, which his administration has been actively completing or progressing.
During a public presentation of his stewardship, Fubara emphasized his administration’s significant achievements in infrastructure, economy, education, and healthcare. He noted that his governance effectively began four months ago due to early political crises.
Fubara announced the initiation of nine new road projects, including the Port Harcourt Ring Road and Trans-Kalabari Road, valued at over ₦500 billion. Only the Port Harcourt Ring Road is financed through borrowed funds, with the rest funded from the administration’s accumulated savings.
In terms of economy and security, Fubara reported an increase in Rivers State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from ₦12 billion to about ₦28 billion per month, improved ease of doing business, and a decrease in crime rates. He credited this to an IGR advisory team he chairs, driving significant revenue increases from ₦17 billion during off-peak periods to ₦28 billion during peak periods.
To bolster the economy further, Fubara mentioned a ₦40 billion matching fund with the Bank of Industry, providing loans at single-digit interest rates for five years. He also committed to prompt salary payments, which have increased from ₦5.6 billion to ₦8.3 billion due to a long-overdue promotion exercise.
Fubara also highlighted healthcare initiatives, including a contributory health insurance scheme with a ₦70 million take-off grant, revitalized emergency services, spending over ₦157 million on medical emergencies, ₦200 million for Lassa fever control, and the renovation of 35 primary healthcare centers.
During an interactive session, Fubara addressed questions about 10,000 civil service jobs, revealing that 60% of initial applicants were over-aged and politically motivated. He revised the list to include individuals aged 30-35 and promised to pay bursaries to students. However, he declined to comment on the Mother and Child Hospital and the Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease and Diagnosis Centre built by the previous administration.
Governor Fubara concluded by unveiling his administration’s scorecard and promising further achievements in the coming year, reaffirming his goal to make Rivers State one of the best in Nigeria.