*SEC demands refund of N20b mobilization to contractor
By Amieyeofori Ibim, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Government has revoked the ₦134 billion contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.
The decision, taken during Thursday’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, followed a comprehensive review of the contract’s processes and compliance record.
Council also directed the immediate refund of the ₦20 billion mobilization fee earlier paid to the contractor.
The Secretariat renovation, initially approved under the State of Emergency Administration, will now go through a fresh revalidation of the bidding process, alongside three other key infrastructural projects across the state.
These include:
Construction of 4.8km Reinforced Concrete Shoreline Protection and Reclamation at Queens Town and Epellema–Iloma–Minima Communities, Opobo/Nkoro LGA.
Construction of 2.5km Shoreline Protection and Reclamation in Ndoni, Oniukwu, Isuikwu, and Ase-Azage Communities, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
Construction of another 2.5km Shoreline Protection and Reclamation for Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani Eze, and Oduguri Communities, also in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
Beyond infrastructure, the meeting’s major highlight was employment generation for Rivers youths, which took center stage during deliberations.
Governor Fubara, according to Exco sources, reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to create sustainable job opportunities and tackle youth unemployment through targeted empowerment initiatives.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said the Governor has directed ministries and agencies to align their programmes with the state’s new youth employment agenda.
Dr. Gbali noted that several innovative schemes are in the pipeline to equip young people with technical and entrepreneurial skills, promote small and medium-scale enterprises, and expand access to finance.
“His Excellency is very intentional about youth empowerment. He wants programmes that deliver real results—jobs, businesses, and sustainable livelihoods for our young people,” Dr. Gbali said.
Governor Fubara, the Commissioner added, has continued to insist on transparency, accountability, and value for money in all state projects and policies, ensuring that governance remains people-focused and development-driven.
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