Rivers Government Voids ₦134bn Secretariat Deal, Demands ₦20bn Payback

By John Umeh

In a move that has stirred political and public interest across Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has revoked a ₦134 billion contract for the reconstruction of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex. The contract, awarded under the brief administration of Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd) during a transitional period, has been declared irregular and unsustainable. The Rivers State Executive Council, which ratified the decision, also ordered the contractor—China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)—to refund a ₦20 billion mobilisation fee already paid.

This decision, far beyond a simple cancellation, reflects a broader effort by the Fubara administration to audit and revalidate government contracts, especially those awarded during periods of emergency governance.

The Controversial Contract

The ₦134 billion Secretariat contract was one of the largest projects signed off during the emergency caretaker administration that preceded Fubara’s full government. Critics have long questioned the timing of the deal, raising concerns that it was rushed through without proper financial scrutiny or competitive bidding.

CCECC, a company with a longstanding presence in Nigeria’s construction landscape, had already collected ₦20 billion as mobilisation fee. But according to the Rivers State Government, little to no visible work had commenced at the Secretariat site, prompting suspicions about the contract’s legitimacy and viability.

By voiding the contract, Fubara has not only stopped the project but also challenged the financial accountability of decisions made during the Ibas-led interim government.

Revalidation of Other Contracts

The cancellation of the Secretariat deal is not an isolated action. At the same Executive Council meeting, the government ordered a revalidation of other contracts approved during the caretaker administration.

Projects under review include:

Renovation of the State Secretariat Complex: Previously signed off but now set for scrutiny to ensure compliance with due process.
Shoreline Protection Contracts: Key projects meant to safeguard vulnerable riverine communities, but whose terms and costs are now being re-examined.
Statewide Infrastructure Projects: Including roads and support facilities that may have bypassed standard procurement checks.

Officials say that revalidation does not automatically mean cancellation; rather, it allows the state to reassess scope, cost, and compliance with financial regulations before proceeding.

New Development Initiatives

While annulling questionable deals, the Fubara administration is also charting new directions. The council approved the establishment of a six-member committee headed by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The committee’s mandate is to identify suitable locations across Rivers State for the construction of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. These centres are designed to expand access to digital examinations for students and professionals, positioning Rivers as a hub for standardized testing and digital literacy.

The initiative signals that while Fubara’s government is cancelling certain projects, it is simultaneously investing in areas that directly benefit citizens, particularly the youth and education sector.

Reactions and Implications

The revocation has sparked mixed reactions:

Supporters view it as a bold step towards accountability, praising the government for confronting what they describe as “suspicious last-minute deals.”
Critics argue that the move could create diplomatic friction with CCECC, a multinational company that has executed major infrastructure projects across Nigeria. They warn of potential litigation if the refund demand is not honoured.
Observers also note the political undertone, suggesting that Fubara may be using the opportunity to further distance his administration from the remnants of the caretaker leadership.

The insistence on a ₦20 billion refund places the government on a collision course with CCECC. While refunds of mobilisation fees are not unprecedented, enforcement often drags into lengthy legal and commercial disputes.

Broader Political Context

The Ibas-led interim administration was set up during a period of political transition, following heightened tensions in Rivers’ power struggle. Several contracts awarded during this period have since come under suspicion, raising questions about transparency and financial prudence.

Governor Fubara’s move therefore serves two purposes: it reins in spending and also establishes his authority as a leader determined to break away from past irregularities. By auditing and possibly cancelling contracts, he is reshaping Rivers’ project financing landscape and consolidating his government’s control over state resources.

The cancellation of the ₦134 billion Secretariat contract marks a turning point in Rivers State’s governance. For Governor Fubara, it is both a financial safeguard and a political statement—a signal that contracts awarded in secrecy or under questionable circumstances will not be tolerated.

As the government awaits the ₦20 billion refund from CCECC, attention now shifts to whether the contractor will comply or challenge the decision. Meanwhile, the administration’s commitment to revalidation of other projects suggests that more cancellations—or renegotiations—may follow.

For Rivers residents, the bigger picture lies in whether these actions translate into better governance, transparent infrastructure development, and tangible benefits for the people.