Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured residents of Rivers State that the ongoing reconstruction of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt will be completed and ready for use by the first quarter of 2027.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday after inspecting the large-scale renovation work at the secretariat complex located in the Old GRA area of Port Harcourt.
Fubara said the project was progressing steadily and expressed confidence that the upgraded facility would be delivered on schedule.
The governor’s remarks were contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi.
According to the statement, Fubara undertook another inspection of the project to personally assess the level of work already completed, especially inside the buildings.
The governor had earlier visited the site this year as part of routine monitoring of major projects being executed by his administration.
Speaking after the inspection, Fubara said he was satisfied with the pace and quality of the ongoing reconstruction.
“We just did a tour of the renovation of the Secretariat. I have been seeing the outer part of it wearing a new look, but I wanted to really confirm how much work is going on, most importantly, the inside, and that is what I just went to inspect myself,” the governor said.
“I think that with the progress of work here, by the grace of God, I believe that by the first quarter of next year, it will be handed over to the government.
“Like I promised, every job that we are handling, we will ensure that we bring them to completion.”
The Rivers State Secretariat is one of the most important public service facilities in the state and serves as the administrative headquarters for many ministries, departments and agencies.
The original structure was built in the 1970s shortly after Rivers State was created in 1967. Over the years, however, the facility suffered deterioration due to age, heavy usage and limited maintenance.
Successive administrations had faced criticism over the poor state of the complex, with civil servants and visitors complaining about outdated facilities, structural problems and inadequate working conditions.
The ongoing reconstruction project is expected to transform the aging secretariat into a modern administrative complex with improved infrastructure and upgraded working facilities.
The secretariat redevelopment involves several major structures within the complex, including the famous 17-storey Point Block, the 10-storey Podium Block and three additional seven-storey buildings known as Blocks A, B and C.
Officials say the renovation goes beyond ordinary repairs and represents a complete modernization of the facility.
The work includes structural rehabilitation of the buildings, redesign of office spaces, installation of modern equipment and upgrading of electricity, water and communication systems.
Authorities also say the project is aimed at creating a more efficient and technology-driven working environment for civil servants in the state.
Government officials believe the upgraded secretariat will improve productivity and service delivery within the state civil service once completed.
The reconstruction project forms part of wider infrastructure development efforts by the Fubara administration since assuming office in 2023.
The governor has repeatedly stated that his administration is focused on completing projects that would directly improve governance, economic activities and public service operations in Rivers State.
For decades, the Rivers State Secretariat has remained one of the most recognised government buildings in Port Harcourt and a key symbol of the state’s public service structure.
However, many sections of the complex reportedly became outdated and less functional over time, leading to calls for a complete overhaul.
Civil servants had also raised concerns in recent years over safety issues, poor office conditions and the need for a modern work environment.
The current reconstruction is therefore seen by many workers as a long-awaited intervention.
Some workers who spoke after the governor’s visit expressed hope that the completed project would improve comfort and efficiency within the civil service.
Residents of Port Harcourt also described the ongoing work as one of the major urban renewal projects currently changing the appearance of parts of the city.
The Old GRA area, where the secretariat is located, remains one of the historic government and residential districts in Port Harcourt.
The large-scale reconstruction of the high-rise buildings has significantly altered the skyline around the area in recent months.
The governor’s inspection comes at a time when political developments in Rivers State continue to attract national attention following months of tensions within the state’s political leadership.
Despite the political situation, the Fubara administration has continued to highlight ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the state.
Government supporters argue that continued execution of major projects shows the administration’s commitment to governance and public service delivery.
Critics, however, have urged the government to ensure transparency, quality delivery and timely completion of projects.
Infrastructure experts note that rehabilitation of old government buildings has become necessary in many states across Nigeria because several public facilities built decades ago are now outdated.
Many state secretariats and government offices across the country face challenges linked to aging structures, inadequate maintenance and increasing pressure from growing public service demands.
Urban planners also believe that modern office facilities and technology-driven workspaces can improve efficiency within government institutions.
In recent years, several state governments have embarked on renovation or reconstruction of public office complexes as part of efforts to modernise governance systems.
In Rivers State, the reconstruction of the secretariat is expected to remain one of the administration’s flagship projects ahead of the next political cycle.
For now, attention remains focused on whether the project will meet the completion timeline announced by the governor.
With work continuing across the massive complex, many civil servants and residents say they are hopeful that the long-awaited transformation of the Rivers State Secretariat will finally provide a modern and functional administrative centre for the state government.