Key Points

• Fubara cancels CCECC contract and orders ₦20bn refund.

• Rivers government reopens bidding for secretariat and shoreline projects.

• State council moves to enforce transparency in public contracts

The Rivers State government has canceled a ₦134 billion contract given to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

The project involved the renovation and furnishing of the state secretariat complex.

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Works, Austin Ezekiel-Hart, told reporters about the decision after Thursday’s State Executive Council meeting in Port Harcourt. Governor Siminalayi Fubara presided over the meeting.

Ezekiel-Hart said the council asked CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilization fee it had already received.

Fubara Declares Contract Irregular

He explained that the contract came from the previous emergency rule administration and did not follow proper procedures. Because of that, the council decided to restart the process.

Ezekiel-Hart said the government would revalidate the bidding for four major projects earlier advertised in national newspapers on February 19, 2025.

“With the revalidation now approved, a new bidding process will begin,” he said. “Qualified contractors will prequalify and submit both technical and commercial bids.”

He listed the affected projects, including a 4.8-kilometer reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation at Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.

Other works include a 2.5-kilometer shoreline protection and reclamation at Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

Similar construction will take place at Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in the same area.

The canceled secretariat renovation contract was also among these projects.

Rivers Moves to Expand Youth Employment

Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Chisom Gbali, said the council reviewed its job creation programs for youths.

He explained that the ministry is developing a new plan to expand employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across the state.

“The government is focused on sustainable job creation,” Gbali said. “We’re creating access to skills and real work opportunities.”

He added that the plan will help young people build lasting careers and reduce unemployment in local communities.

Government Plans ICT Centers for Exams

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, said the council also approved a committee to develop computer-based test centers and ICT laboratories in all three senatorial districts.

He explained that this plan aligns with the federal government’s directive for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to switch to computer-based testing from 2026.

Uzoma-Nwogu said the project will help students adapt to digital testing while improving access to technology in schools.

The Rivers government’s decision marks one of its biggest contract reviews this year.

It also reflects Fubara’s push for accountability, transparency, and better value for public funds.