The Rivers State Executive Council has revoked the ₦134 billion contract awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for renovating and furnishing the State Secretariat Complex, citing flaws in the procurement process.
At a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Dr. Austin Ezekiel‑Hart, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, said the deal, which was granted under the previous emergency administration, failed to comply with standard procurement procedures. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who led the meeting, demanded that CCECC return the ₦20 billion mobilization fee already paid.
Ezekiel‑Hart disclosed that the projects tied to the contract will undergo “a transparent revalidation and bidding process.” He said, “The revalidation exercise will ensure that only qualified and experienced contractors are engaged.” He added, “Fresh advertisements will be placed in national newspapers to invite bids for the projects previously listed.”
Among the affected works are a 4.8 km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and land reclamation in communities such as Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima (Opobo/Nkoro LGA). Also impacted are 2.5 km shoreline reclamation projects in Ndoni‑Onukwu, Isikwu, Aziazagi (Ogba‑Egbema‑Ndoni LGA), and works in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani‑Eze, and Odugri communities.
The Secretariat renovation was among several projects slated under Rivers State’s capital plans, as the state topped the list for FAAC disbursements in July 2025.
Elsewhere in the State Council meeting, Dr. Chisom Gbali, Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, said the government is restructuring its youth empowerment programs and preparing a new framework to boost economic growth.
In a related move, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma‑Nwogu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, revealed a committee will propose plans to build Computer‑Based Test (CBT) centres and ICT labs across the state’s senatorial districts. The initiative is meant to align with the Federal Government’s directive to shift WAEC and NECO examinations to computer‑based formats by 2026.
Also, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, said remedial actions will begin immediately in flood‑affected areas. He reminded residents to avoid dumping waste in drains or building along waterways. He reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to infrastructure renewal and sustainable development across Rivers State.
