The Rivers State Government has announced that the State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt will be shut down from Friday to enable comprehensive rehabilitation works to commence on the facility.
In a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, workers have been directed to remain at home for the duration of the renovation. The circular, signed by the Head of Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, stated that only employees on essential duties will be admitted into the premises while work is ongoing.
According to Dr. Brown, permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments and agencies are to ensure that only personnel whose services are strictly required are allowed entry into the complex.
She explained that the temporary shutdown is to safeguard workers during the rehabilitation period and to ensure a smooth execution of the project. Further directives on when normal activities will resume will be communicated in due course, she added.
The State Secretariat, constructed over 50 years ago during the administration of Lt. Cdr. Alfred Diete-Spiff, has long been in need of repair. Failed attempts by successive administrations over the past 15 years to rehabilitate the complex have left many of the facilities in deplorable condition, including broken railings, damaged floors, faulty power and water supply systems, and dilapidated window fittings.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara had listed the rehabilitation of the complex as an early priority after assuming office in 2023. However, work did not begin before he was suspended from office by the President.
During the period of his suspension, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd.), awarded the project to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for N134 billion and released N20 billion as mobilisation. The award generated controversy.
Shortly after the governor resumed work from suspension, a part of the secretariat was gutted by fire.
Upon his return to office in September, Governor Fubara cancelled the contract and directed the contractor to refund the mobilisation fee.
Details of a revised contract or a timeline for completion have yet to be made public.
