The Rivers State Government has cancelled the N134 billion contract earlier awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation and furnishing of the state secretariat complex in Port Harcourt, citing major irregularities in the way the contract was awarded.
The cancellation was one of the key decisions reached during the Rivers State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday and presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The decision comes amid a broader review of contracts issued by the previous administration, with the aim of ensuring transparency, due process, and compliance with the state’s procurement laws.
Speaking after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the contract was found to have violated standard procurement procedures and therefore could not stand. He explained that the project was among several that were hastily approved without following proper bidding and evaluation processes.
Ezekiel-Hart stated that Governor Fubara directed the Chinese construction firm, CCECC, to refund the N20 billion mobilization fee already released for the project. He added that the government would begin a transparent revalidation process to allow credible contractors to bid for the secretariat renovation and other affected projects.
“The revalidation exercise will ensure that only qualified and experienced contractors are engaged in the execution of public projects. Fresh advertisements will be published in national newspapers to invite bids for all affected projects,” Ezekiel-Hart said.
He explained that the Rivers Government will also re-advertise several other projects that were hurriedly approved under the former leadership. These projects will undergo proper screening to ensure value for money and compliance with financial regulations.
According to the Ministry of Works, the affected projects include the construction of a 4.8-kilometre reinforced concrete shoreline protection and land reclamation in Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. Others are the 2.5-kilometre shoreline reclamation projects in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities, as well as Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
The renovation and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex, which was among the largest infrastructure projects initiated under the previous administration, will also be revalidated. The secretariat renovation had been approved at a time when Rivers State ranked among the top ten states with the highest allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in July 2025.
Also addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said the State Executive Council also reviewed the government’s job creation and youth empowerment initiatives. He noted that a new framework is being developed to provide more employment opportunities for youths, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector.
Dr. Gbali said Governor Fubara’s administration is committed to promoting entrepreneurship, skill development, and access to finance as part of efforts to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth in the state. “The goal is to empower more young people with skills and access to finance so they can contribute meaningfully to the state’s growth,” he said.
In another development, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, announced the establishment of a committee that will design a proposal for creating Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and ICT laboratories across the three senatorial districts in the state. She explained that this plan is in line with the Federal Government’s directive that all WAEC and NECO examinations should be conducted through computer-based systems by 2026.
According to her, the committee will be chaired by the Deputy Governor and will include officials from key ministries such as Education, Science and Technology, and Youth Development. Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu said the initiative will promote ICT education, digital skills, and innovation among students, ensuring they are well-prepared for future examinations and employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, disclosed that the council has also approved immediate remedial actions in areas affected by flash floods across the state. He warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste into drainage channels and constructing buildings along waterways.
Dr. Sirawoo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, transparency, and infrastructure renewal. He said Governor Fubara’s administration will continue to ensure accountability and efficiency in all public projects while protecting public resources from misuse.
The latest decision by the Rivers State Government underscores its drive to restore transparency in project management and procurement, while ensuring that all state-funded projects deliver real value to the people.
