By Amara Agha, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Executive Council (EXCO), led by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has unveiled a series of decisive measures aimed at tackling contractor non-performance, curbing rising housing costs, and boosting agricultural development, while approving projects valued at over N2.1 billion.
Speaking to journalists after the Council’s meetings held on March 4 and March 17, 2026, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebe, said the government had resolved to take firm action against underperforming contractors.
According to him, EXCO ordered the immediate termination of all abandoned and poorly executed 2-kilometre rural road projects across the state, despite prior payments made to contractors. The decision, he noted, followed reports from field assessments revealing significant delays and lack of progress on the projects.
In a move to strengthen rural infrastructure and agricultural productivity, the Council approved the release of N300 million as Ebonyi State’s counterpart funding for the 2026 Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project.
To address the persistent rise in rent, EXCO also proposed new legislation to regulate landlord-tenant relations, including agency fees. Under the proposed law, house agents will be restricted to charging no more than two per cent of the total rent payable by tenants.
The Council further approved a bill to regulate the sale and transportation of metal and electrical scraps, a measure aimed at curbing vandalism and enhancing public safety.
As part of efforts to support farmers ahead of the planting season, EXCO approved N500 million for the procurement of 250 power tillers to boost mechanised farming and improve productivity across the state.
In the education sector, the Council directed the arrest of contractors handling the construction of 22 model secondary schools who have failed to meet agreed project milestones. Omebe stated that any contractor who has received funds but failed to reach parapet level would be apprehended and made to refund the money.
He also disclosed that EXCO received updates on the state’s foreign scholarship programme, noting that many beneficiaries have completed their studies and secured admission for doctoral programmes.
Other approvals granted by the Council include partnerships on waste-to-energy and solar power initiatives, the 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 as part of efforts to preserve the state’s cultural heritage.
