By Tina Chinyere – Portharcourt
The Rivers State Government has terminated the ₦134 billion contract for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the State Secretariat Complex, directing the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to refund ₦20 billion earlier paid as mobilisation.
The decision was reached on Thursday, October 16, 2025, during the first State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held after the lifting of the emergency rule. The meeting, presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, took place at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo flanked by the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr. Austin Ezekiel Hart; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Azibolanari Uzoma Worgu, said the Council deliberated on key issues concerning education, employment, infrastructure, and flood management.
Dr. Sirawoo expressed concern over the poor waste disposal habits of residents, which he said contribute to blocked drainage channels and flash flooding in parts of the state. He added that the Council has directed immediate action to address the issue and mitigate environmental hazards.
On his part, Mr. Hart confirmed that the Council approved the termination of the Secretariat Complex contract and revalidation of bidding processes for four other projects earlier advertised in February. These include:
Construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation of Queens Town and Epellema-Iloma-Minimah communities in Opobo/Nkoro LGA.
Construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Ndoni-Oniku-Ishiuku-Ase-Azage communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. Construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Otuechi-Obiofu-Isala-Anieze-Odokiri communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
Renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.
Speaking on education, Dr. (Mrs.) Worgu said the Council approved the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres across the three senatorial districts and 23 local government areas of the state. A six-man committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, was set up to design the implementation framework.
Also, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, disclosed that his ministry has been directed to develop proposals for employment generation and youth empowerment, in line with Governor Fubara’s commitment to quality leadership and inclusive development in the state.
