The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled the ₦134 billion contract awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation and furnishing of the state’s secretariat complex.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara presided over the council meeting on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, where the decision was taken.
The council also ordered the immediate refund of the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee earlier paid to the contractor.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, told journalists that the contract was hastily awarded without following due process.
He said the council has now approved a fresh bidding process for four key projects initially cancelled by the previous administration.
The revalidated projects include Renovation and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex, Construction of 4.8km shoreline protection and reclamation in Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities (Opobo/Nkoro LGA), 2.5km shoreline protection in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities as well as 2.5km shoreline protection in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA).
Advertisements for prequalification and bidding will be placed in national newspapers to attract qualified contractors.
Meanwhile, the council also approved the formation of a committee to propose the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and ICT labs across the three senatorial districts.
This follows the federal directive that all WAEC and NECO exams be computer-based from 2026.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, said the initiative is aimed at preparing Rivers youth for a digital future.
On employment, Commissioner for Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said the council reviewed strategies to boost youth job creation.
He promised a “rising tide” of job opportunities, reaffirming Governor Fubara’s commitment to delivering on promises.
In response to recent flash floods, the council also mandated urgent action to clear drainage systems and warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste and construction on waterways.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the administration remains focused on sustainable development and repositioning the state for long-term growth.
