– Orders refund of ₦20bn mobilisation fee
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – In a sweeping move to reset governance and enforce fiscal responsibility, the Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled the ₦134 billion contract awarded for the renovation of the State Secretariat Complex and directed the contractor to refund the sum of ₦20 billion already paid as a mobilisation fee.
The decision, reached during the State Executive Council meeting on Thursday presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, nullifies a major contract awarded by the preceding State of Emergency Administration, which was deemed to have been awarded “in a hasty manner without following due process.”
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, stated that the council directed the immediate refund of the mobilisation fee paid to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Revalidation of Bidding Process for Key Projects
In a related development, the Council approved the revalidation of the bidding processes for four major infrastructure projects, which had been earlier advertised but cancelled by the previous administration.
Dr. Ezekiel-Hart explained that with the revalidation, a fresh bidding process will be advertised in national dailies to allow competent and experienced contractors to prequalify and submit bids. The projects include:
- The renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.
- The construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation of Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
- The construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
- The construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in the same Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
The council meeting also yielded key approvals in the education and employment sectors. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, announced the constitution of a high-powered committee to develop a proposal for the creation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres and ICT Laboratories across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu clarified that the initiative is a proactive step to align with the Federal Government’s directive that all WAEC and NECO examinations will be fully computer-based from 2026. The committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor and includes the Secretary to the State Government and key permanent secretaries.
On employment, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, disclosed that the council reviewed ongoing efforts to create jobs for Rivers youths. His ministry has been directed to develop a robust framework for job creation and economic empowerment.
“We want to assure Rivers youths that there will be a rising tide of employment and steady waves of economic empowerment,” Dr. Gbali said. “We know our Governor, when he makes a promise, he ensures it is fulfilled.”
The council also deliberated on the recent flash floods in parts of the state. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the council directed immediate remedial interventions and cautioned residents against indiscriminate waste disposal and building on waterways.
Dr. Sirawoo affirmed Governor Fubara’s deep commitment to the development of Rivers State, noting that the administration is determined to accelerate the pace of governance despite time lost.
“The administration’s renewed focus and energy will soon place Rivers State firmly back on the path of sustainable growth and progress,” he stated.
