Rivers State Executive Council revokes N134bn secretariat contract with CCECC, orders refund of N20bn mobilisation fee, and revalidates four major projects

The Rivers State Executive Council has revoked the ₦134 billion contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.

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The decision, taken during the council meeting held on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, was presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, the council also ordered the immediate refund of the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee earlier paid to the contractor.

The contract, originally awarded under the State of Emergency Administration led by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), was cancelled following findings that it did not follow due process.

Speaking after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the revoked contracts were hastily approved without proper evaluation.

“With the revalidation process now approved, fresh bidding will be advertised for competent and experienced contractors to prequalify and submit both technical and commercial bids,” he said.

He added that the revalidated projects include:

The construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation in Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro LGA.

2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation at Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, as well as Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities within the same area.

The renovation and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex, which will now go through a fresh tender process.

Meanwhile, Dr Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, announced the constitution of a committee to establish Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and ICT laboratories across the three senatorial districts.

She said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s directive that from 2026, all WAEC and NECO examinations will be conducted through computer-based systems.

The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, includes the Secretary to the State Government, and Permanent Secretaries from key ministries.

On employment, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr Chisom Gbali, said new frameworks for job creation and youth empowerment were being developed.

“We want to assure Rivers youths that there will be a rising tide of employment and steady waves of economic empowerment. Our governor is a man who keeps his promises,” Gbali stated.

Also addressing environmental issues, Dr Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, said the council discussed recent flash floods and directed immediate remedial measures.

He urged residents to avoid dumping refuse in drainage channels or building on waterways.

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Sirawoo stressed that Governor Fubara’s administration remains focused on restoring Rivers State’s development trajectory, adding that renewed energy and reforms would soon “place the state firmly back on the path of sustainable growth and progress.”