The Rivers State Executive Council has revoked the N134 billion contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex. The council also directed the immediate refund of the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee earlier paid to the contractor.
The decision was taken at the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the contract was hastily awarded under the State of Emergency Administration without adherence to due process. He disclosed that the council also approved the revalidation of the bidding process for four major projects that were earlier advertised but later cancelled by the previous administration.
According to him, the affected projects include the renovation and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex and the construction of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works across several riverine communities in Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
Ezekiel-Hart announced that fresh bids will soon be advertised in national dailies for qualified and experienced contractors to prequalify and submit both technical and commercial proposals. He listed the projects to include the construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation in Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro LGA; the construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA; and the construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, said the council approved the constitution of a committee to develop a proposal for establishing Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and ICT laboratories across the three senatorial districts of the state. She explained that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s directive that, from 2026, all examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will be computer-based.
The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, includes the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretaries of relevant ministries, and the Commissioner for Energy. Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu noted that the move is aimed at preparing Rivers youths for a digital future and enhancing educational standards.
On job creation, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said the council reviewed ongoing initiatives to boost youth employment and economic inclusion. He added that his ministry has been directed to develop a comprehensive framework for job creation and empowerment.
“We want to assure Rivers youths that there will be a rising tide of employment and steady waves of economic empowerment,” Dr. Gbali said. “Our governor is a man of his word—when he makes a promise, he ensures it is fulfilled.”
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the council deliberated on recent flash floods in parts of the state and ordered immediate remedial measures. He cautioned residents against dumping refuse in drainage channels or erecting structures on waterways, stressing that Governor Fubara remains committed to fast-tracking development and repositioning Rivers State on the path of sustainable growth and progress.
