Ebonyi cracks down on contractors, okay N2.1bn projects
…Moves to regulate house rent
By Amarachi Ehia, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Executive Council (EXCO), chaired by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has approved sweeping measures targeting erring contractors, rising housing costs and agricultural development, alongside projects worth over N2.1 billion.
Briefing journalists, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebe, said the decisions were taken at meetings held on March 4 and March 17, 2026.
“Council has directed the immediate termination of all uncompleted 2km rural road projects across the state due to abandonment and poor execution, despite payments already made to contractors,” Omebe said.
He noted that the action followed field reports indicating slow pace of work and non-performance by contractors.
EXCO also approved the release of N300 million as the state’s counterpart funding for the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project for the 2026 fiscal year.
“The Council approved the sum of N300 million as Ebonyi State’s counterpart funding for RAAMP 2026 to enhance rural infrastructure and agricultural value chains,” he added.
To address rising rent, the Council proposed a bill to regulate landlord-tenant relationships, including agency charges.
“Under the proposed law, house agents will not be allowed to charge more than two per cent of the total rent payable by tenants,” Omebe stated.
The Council also approved a bill to regulate the sale and movement of metal and electrical scraps to curb vandalism and improve public safety.
In the agricultural sector, EXCO approved N500 million for the procurement of 250 power tillers for farmers ahead of the planting season.
“Council approved N500 million for the purchase of 250 power tillers to boost mechanisation and productivity among farmers,” he said.
On education, the Council directed the arrest of contractors handling the 22 model secondary schools who failed to meet project benchmarks.
“Any contractor who has collected funds and failed to reach parapet level should be arrested and funds recovered,” Omebe declared.
He added that EXCO received an update on the foreign scholarship programme, noting that most beneficiaries have completed their studies and secured PhD admissions.
Further approvals include a partnership for waste-to-energy and solar projects, construction of a government house clinic, N1.3 billion for air-conditioning at the Trade Centre, and the reconstruction of the palace of Akanu Ibiam to preserve cultural heritage.
