Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, attended his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, saw a gathering of state governors and deputy governors from across the federation.

Ibas’ presence marks his debut at the high-level economic policy forum since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025. His appointment followed the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid a political crisis in Rivers State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit from the Senate Committee on Works earlier this month, Ibas said, “We are committed to maintaining stability and continuing developmental efforts in Rivers State during this transitional phase.”

Vice President Shettima, who directed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State to lead the opening prayers, noted the significance of unity and economic planning in the face of Nigeria’s challenges.

Also in attendance were Governors Hycinth Alia (Benue), Abdulrahman Abdulrazak (Kwara), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others, along with a number of deputy governors.

The NEC meeting focused on economic strategies, state-level development initiatives, and federal-state collaborations amid ongoing fiscal reforms.

This appearance by Ibas is seen as a signal of the Federal Government’s intent to integrate the interim administration of Rivers State into national economic planning frameworks.