Rivers Govt cancels ₦134bn Secretariat Project, orders CCECC to refund ₦20bn mobilisation fee

The Rivers State Executive Council has announced major decisions following its first meeting since the suspension of the six-month state of emergency, including the cancellation of a ₦134 billion contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

The meeting, presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt, reviewed contracts and policies executed during the emergency rule. It was attended by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, eight retained commissioners, and the Permanent Secretaries of Works and Education.

After extensive deliberations, the Council nullified the ₦134 billion State Secretariat Complex reconstruction contract awarded to CCECC and ordered the firm to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee it received.

The Council also approved a fresh bidding process for other revoked projects in Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas, which were initially advertised in February.

Additionally, a six-man committee chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu was established to assess and recommend suitable sites for Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the state. The centres are expected to enhance digital learning and facilitate external examinations.

The flood control committee, also headed by the Deputy Governor, was instructed to take urgent measures to address flash floods in affected communities. The Council cautioned residents against blocking drainage channels and appealed for public cooperation to prevent further flooding.

In other resolutions, the Council approved new initiatives aimed at tackling youth unemployment and realigning state priorities in education, environmental management, and job creation.