The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Administration has directed the immediate renovation of the dilapidated State Secretariat complex and urgent relocation of civil servants from hazardous work environments.
This directive follows an emergency inspection tour led by Committee Chairman Professor Julius Ihonvbere, who assessed both the Secretariat and the stalled Rivers State House of Assembly project on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
During the inspection, Professor Ihonvbere described the Secretariat’s state as “more deplorable than facilities in war-torn Gaza,” citing structural hazards, weak floor tiles, leaking roofs, and exposed electrical wiring.
The absence of basic amenities, such as functional toilets, drinking water, and furniture, was also noted. The 6th and 7th floors were declared “unfit for human occupation” due to life-threatening environments. Despite these conditions, the committee praised civil servants for maintaining operations under “unconscionable conditions”.
The Committee Chairman ordered the immediate closure of compromised floors, emergency relocation of staff to alternative secured office spaces, and comprehensive renovation of the entire Secretariat complex.
A contractor review meeting will also be held for the delayed Assembly complex project. The inspection revealed that the Rivers State House of Assembly contractor will miss the September completion deadline.
Professor Ihonvbere announced an emergency meeting with contractors this week to strictly review project timelines and quality standards. Possible sanctions will be imposed for underperformance. “The current state constitutes gross workplace endangerment,” stated Professor Ihonvbere, who demanded immediate alternative accommodations for displaced workers, a transparent bidding process for renovation contracts, and weekly progress reports to the committee.
The Rivers State Administration is expected to commence compliance measures within 48 hours. The committee’s demands include: Immediate Alternative Accommodations for displaced workers; Transparent Bidding Process for renovation contracts; Weekly Progress Reports to the committee.
