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.
The council also ordered the immediate refund of the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee earlier paid to the contractor.
The contract, awarded under the State of Emergency Administration, was nullified during the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the contract was hastily awarded without due process.
He disclosed that the council also approved the revalidation of the bidding process for four major projects previously advertised but later cancelled by the past administration.
He said the affected projects include the renovation and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex, and the construction of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works in several riverine communities in Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
According to Dr. Ezekiel-Hart, fresh bidding will be advertised in national dailies for competent and experienced contractors to prequalify and submit both technical and commercial bids.
He listed the specific projects to include: Construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation in Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro LGA.
Also listed is the construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and onstruction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, said the council approved the setting up of a committee to develop a proposal for establishing Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres and ICT Laboratories across the three senatorial districts.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s directive that, from 2026, all examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will be computer-based.
The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, includes the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretaries of relevant ministries, and the Commissioner for Energy as members.
Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu said the move aims to prepare Rivers youths for a digital future and improve educational standards.
On job creation, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said the council reviewed ongoing efforts to expand employment opportunities for youths.
He said his ministry was directed to develop a comprehensive framework for job creation and economic empowerment.
“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.”
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the council discussed recent flash floods in parts of the state and ordered immediate remedial action. He urged residents to avoid dumping waste in drainage channels and building on waterways.
Dr. Sirawoo added that Governor Fubara remains committed to fast-tracking development and repositioning Rivers State on the path of sustainable growth and progress.