The Rivers State Government has officially revoked the ₦134 billion contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat Complex.
The decision was reached during the first meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) following the suspension of the six-month emergency rule. The meeting, presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt, reviewed major contracts and administrative actions taken during the emergency period.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the Council directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee it had earlier received for the now-revoked contract. The governor said the review was part of efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money in the management of public resources.
Governor Fubara, who chaired the deliberation alongside his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, emphasised that the current administration was determined to reassess all projects initiated under the emergency regime to ensure compliance with due process and the state’s development priorities.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, eight retained commissioners, and the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Works and Education.
After an extensive review session, the Council also resolved that all other projects revoked during the meeting — including those in Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas — should undergo a fresh bidding process. The governor directed the relevant ministries to re-advertise the projects to encourage fair competition and attract qualified contractors.
In another development, the Council approved the constitution of a six-member committee headed by Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu to identify suitable sites for Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state. The centres are expected to support external examinations and strengthen digital learning infrastructure for students.
The state flood control committee, also chaired by the Deputy Governor, was mandated to immediately implement measures to mitigate the impact of flash floods in vulnerable communities. The committee is to collaborate with local councils and relevant ministries to clear blocked drainage channels and create awareness on responsible waste disposal.
The Council used the opportunity to appeal to residents to desist from dumping refuse into drainage systems, warning that such actions worsen flooding in urban areas.
Furthermore, the meeting approved strategic measures aimed at reducing youth unemployment while aligning government priorities with current needs in education, environmental management, and job creation.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, accountability, and service delivery, stressing that all government actions must reflect the collective interest of the people.
“The time for impunity is over. Every naira spent by this government must yield visible impact and benefit to Rivers people,” he was quoted as saying.
The revocation marks one of the first major decisions of the State Executive Council since normalcy returned to governance in Rivers State, signalling a renewed focus on transparency and efficiency in public project execution.
