The Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has revoked the N134 billion contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the State Secretariat Complex, which was granted by the previous Emergency Rule Administration.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, it was revealed that this decision was made during a State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Fubara yesterday at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The statement indicated that the council also ordered an immediate refund of the N20 billion mobilisation fee already paid to the contractor.
Additionally, the council approved the revalidation of the bidding processes for four contracts, including the renovation of the State Secretariat Complex and the construction of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works in several riverine communities within the Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas. The projects had previously been advertised, but the bid documents were cancelled by the Emergency Administration, and fees were refunded to the companies that had purchased them.
Speaking to journalists following the meeting, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, explained that these contracts had been awarded hastily without adhering to proper procedures.
He stated that the council has therefore approved the revalidation of the bidding process for all four contracts that had been advertised in national newspapers on February 19, 2025.
Ezekiel-Hart elaborated that with the revalidation process underway, a fresh bidding will be announced in newspapers, inviting competent and experienced contractors to prequalify and submit both technical and commercial bids.
He outlined the projects, which include: “The construction of 4.8 km of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation for the Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area; the construction of 2.5 km shoreline protection and reclamation for the Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area; and the construction of 2.5 km shoreline protection and reclamation for the Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area. The renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex will also be included,” he added.
In another announcement, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, stated that the council has approved the formation of a committee to develop a proposal for the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres and ICT Laboratories across the three senatorial districts of the state.
She explained that this initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s directive that, starting in 2026, all examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will transition to a computer-based format.
The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, includes the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Works, Information and Communications, as well as the Commissioner for Energy.
Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu stated that this initiative aims to prepare Rivers youths for a digital future and enhance the quality of education across the state.
Regarding employment matters, Dr. Chisom Gbali, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, reported that the council reviewed ongoing efforts to create job opportunities for Rivers youths.
He disclosed that his ministry has been tasked with developing a framework for job creation and economic empowerment, affirming the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for the youth population.
“We want to assure Rivers youths that there will be a rising tide of employment and steady waves of economic empowerment,” Dr. Gbali asserted. “We know our Governor; when he makes a promise, he ensures it is fulfilled.”
Additionally, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, noted that the council extensively discussed the recent flash floods affecting certain areas of the state.
He stated that the council directed immediate remedial interventions to address the situation and cautioned residents against the indiscriminate disposal of waste into drainage channels and constructing buildings on waterways, as these practices exacerbate flooding.
