Rivers State Government Halts All Procurement, Tender Processes Following Supreme Court Ruling

PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE – The Rivers State government, under the administration of Sole Administrator Vice Admiral (RTD.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, has announced the cancellation of all procurement and tender processes conducted by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This decision follows the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024, and the current absence of an Appropriation Law.

According to an official statement released by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, the government has directed all MDAs to immediately refund any tender fees collected from contractors. This measure is to remain in effect until a new spending plan is approved and subsequently communicated to the public.

“In adherence to the Supreme Court judgement upholding the Appeal Court ruling… and in the absence of an Appropriation Law, all procurement and tender processes that were carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies during the period are hereby cancelled,” the statement read.

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The directive, authorized by the Sole Administrator, effectively suspends all government tender activities until further notice. This move is anticipated to have significant ramifications for contractors and businesses involved in Rivers State projects, who are now required to await new guidelines once the government finalizes its financial regulations.

The government has assured that updates regarding new procurement procedures and financial plans will be provided in due course.