The Ebonyi State Government has taken a decisive stance against errant contractors, ordering the immediate arrest of those who have failed to meet contractual obligations on the state’s 22 model secondary schools project despite receiving public funds.
This directive formed part of resolutions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meetings held on Wednesday, March 4, and Tuesday, March 17, 2026, presided over by Governor Nwifuru.
Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meetings, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebeh, disclosed that Council, after an exhaustive review of progress reports on the school upgrade initiative, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the pace and quality of work by some contractors.
EXCO consequently resolved that, with effect from March 4, 2026, any contractor who has received payment for the construction or upgrade of the 22 model secondary schools but has failed to attain parapet level at their respective project sites should be arrested forthwith, pending the recovery of public funds disbursed to them.
The Council emphasized that the directive underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance policy for contract abandonment, financial impropriety, and substandard project execution, particularly in critical sectors such as education.
The decision aligns with broader measures adopted by the Council to enforce accountability and ensure value for money in public infrastructure delivery.
In a related development, EXCO approved the termination of all uncompleted 2-kilometre rural road projects where contractors were found to have either abandoned sites after receiving payments or delivered substandard work.
Council recalled that at its earlier sitting on February 3, 2026, it had expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the rural road projects and subsequently mandated supervisory committees to undertake on-the-spot assessments.
The committees were also directed to review and certify all payment claims prior to further disbursements, as part of strengthened oversight mechanisms.
Beyond enforcement actions, the Council also approved several strategic interventions aimed at accelerating development across key sectors.
In rural development, EXCO sanctioned the release of Three Hundred Million Naira (₦300,000,000) as Ebonyi State’s statutory 10 percent counterpart contribution to the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) for the 2026 fiscal year. The initiative is expected to enhance rural connectivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, and improve livelihoods.
In the agriculture sector, Council approved Five Hundred Million Naira (₦500,000,000) for the procurement of 250 agricultural power tiller machines, to be distributed to farmers ahead of the 2026 farming season.
Each unit is projected to cost Two Million Naira (₦2,000,000), with the intervention aimed at deepening mechanisation, boosting productivity, reducing manual drudgery, and promoting youth participation in agriculture.
Addressing housing and environmental concerns, EXCO proposed an Executive Bill to regulate landlord-tenant relations and cap fees charged by house agents at a maximum of two percent of total rent payable. The move is designed to curb exploitative practices and ease the financial burden on residents, particularly in the state capital.
Council also approved the drafting of another bill to regulate the sale, possession, transportation, and disposal of metal and electrical scraps within the state, as part of efforts to combat vandalism, enhance environmental protection, and strengthen public safety.
In the area of tertiary education, EXCO received a positive report on the state’s foreign scholarship programme. Out of 204 beneficiaries, 202 have successfully completed their Master’s degrees and have secured admission into doctoral programmes, with many graduating with distinctions.
Additionally, 84 new beneficiaries have recently departed for overseas studies, bringing the total number to 298, while the remaining 12 are scheduled to travel between May and September 2026.
On energy and investment, Council approved the state’s participation in a proposed Waste-to-Energy and Solar-to-Energy project by a Chinese Municipal Council in partnership with Chegfa Environment Co. Ltd and its Nigerian counterpart, Cheer Power Vehicle Manufacturing Co. Ltd, under a Build, Operate and Donate (BOD) arrangement.
EXCO also approved the allocation of land at the Industrial City, Ezzamgbo, for the project and agreed to host the investors at a mutually convenient date.
In the health sector, EXCO ratified the construction of an ultra-modern clinic at the Ebonyi State Government House, following a detailed review of the project’s bill of quantities and design specifications.
Council noted that procurement of medical equipment for the facility would be considered subsequently. Further approvals were granted in the infrastructure sector, where Council sanctioned the sum of One Billion, Three Hundred Million Naira (₦1,300,000,000) for the commencement of air-conditioning installations at the Ebonyi State Trade Centre.
The move is part of ongoing efforts to remodel and complete the facility in line with required standards.
In a gesture aimed at preserving cultural heritage and honouring historic leadership, EXCO also approved the reconstruction of the palace of the late Eze Dr. Akanu Ibiam, the first indigenous Governor of the former Eastern Region. The project, according to Council, reflects the administration’s commitment to celebrating legacy and inspiring future generations.
