The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled the ₦134 billion contract given to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for renovating, retrofitting, and furnishing the Rivers State Secretariat Complex. The council also ordered the company to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee paid earlier.
The decision came during the State Executive Council meeting on Oct. 16 at Government House in Port Harcourt, led 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 rushed without proper process under the past State of Emergency Administration.
Dr. Ezekiel-Hart added that the council approved restarting the bidding for four big projects that were advertised but later dropped by the previous government. These include the renovation and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex, plus shoreline protection and reclamation works in riverine communities in Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He explained that new bids will be advertised in national newspapers for qualified contractors to apply with technical and commercial offers. The projects are: 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 in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA; and 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, said the council set up a committee to plan Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres and ICT Laboratories across the three senatorial districts. She noted this follows the Federal Government’s order that WAEC and NECO exams will be computer-based from 2026.
The committee, led by the Deputy Governor, includes the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretaries from relevant ministries, and the Commissioner for Energy. Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu said the plan will prepare Rivers youths for a digital world and raise education standards.
On jobs, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said the council reviewed ways to create more opportunities for youths. His ministry was asked to develop a full plan for job creation and economic support. “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.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, mentioned that the council discussed recent flash floods in some areas and ordered quick fixes. He warned residents against dumping waste in drains or building on waterways.
Dr. Sirawoo added that Governor Fubara is fully committed to speeding up development and putting Rivers State on a path of sustainable growth and progress.
