NEC Monitoring Committee Tours Edo Projects, Hails Modern Oba Market

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Deputy Team Lead of the National Economic Council (NEC) Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC), Busayo Awotunde, has commended the Edo State Government under Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for the successful reconstruction of the Oba Market, which was destroyed by fire incidents in June 2020 and October 2025.

The Okpebholo administration rebuilt the market with modern facilities designed to enhance commercial activities and improve the economic well-being of traders and residents of the state.

Speaking to journalists at the conference room of the Edo State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, located at the State Secretariat along Sapele Road in Benin City, Awotunde said the committee was in Edo State to assess and monitor the implementation of NEC resolutions as well as other legacy projects being executed by the state government.

“This is a monitoring exercise to assess how the Edo State Government has aligned with and implemented the resolutions of the National Economic Council. We are aware that the state is undertaking several impactful projects.

“We commend the governor for rebuilding the Oba Market, which was completely razed by fire. We are impressed with the quality of work delivered. Our visit is to evaluate the level of implementation of NEC resolutions in Edo State and identify any challenges affecting their execution.

“We will also be inspecting other legacy projects of the governor. We appeal for the cooperation of relevant stakeholders and access to necessary information to enable us achieve the objectives of this exercise and allow the government to showcase its achievements,” he said.

Also speaking, the Edo State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Elizabeth Ebosele, said the state government recognises that the effective implementation of national economic policies and resolutions requires strong coordination, prudent resource management, transparency, and continuous monitoring.

She noted that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to translating government policies and programmes into tangible outcomes that improve the lives and livelihoods of Edo people.

“This visit provides an opportunity to showcase the progress recorded by Edo State, receive constructive feedback, and identify areas where additional support and intergovernmental collaboration may be required.

“I commend the National Economic Council, under the chairmanship of the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the Implementation Monitoring Committee for their continued efforts to strengthen implementation, accountability, and coordination in our national development process,” she said.