The Rivers State Executive Council has revoked a ₦134 billion contract for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat Complex, originally awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) during the state of emergency. The council also ordered the firm to return the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee it had received.
The decision was made at the council’s first meeting since the six-month emergency rule was lifted. The session, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, was chaired by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and attended by Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, eight retained commissioners, and key permanent secretaries.
In addition to cancelling the contract, the council called for a fresh bidding process for other projects in Opobo/Nkoro and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas, previously advertised in February.
The council also established a six-member committee, led by the Deputy Governor, to assess and recommend locations for Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres to enhance digital learning and facilitate examinations across the state.
On flood management, the council directed the flood committee to take urgent steps to prevent flash floods and urged residents to avoid blocking drainage channels. Measures to address youth unemployment and realign government priorities in education, environment, and job creation were also approved.
