Kingsley Ohens reporting
The National Economic Council (NEC) Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) has commended the Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for the successful reconstruction of the iconic Oba Market in Benin City, describing the project as a remarkable demonstration of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and economic revitalisation.
The commendation came during the committee’s official visit to Edo State to monitor and evaluate the implementation of resolutions of the National Economic Council as well as key legacy projects being executed across the state.
Speaking during a meeting held at the Conference Room of the Edo State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, located within the State Secretariat along Sapele Road, Benin City, the Deputy Team Lead of the NEC Implementation Monitoring Committee, Busayo Awotunde, applauded the quality of work on the reconstructed Oba Market, which was destroyed by a devastating fire in June 2020 before suffering another fire incident in October 2025.
Awotunde noted that the committee was impressed by the transformation of the market into a modern commercial hub equipped with contemporary facilities designed to stimulate commerce, improve the business environment, and enhance the livelihoods of thousands of traders and residents.
According to him, the monitoring exercise is aimed at assessing the extent to which Edo State has aligned with and implemented resolutions of the National Economic Council, while identifying challenges and documenting best practices capable of strengthening policy implementation across the federation.
“We are in Edo State to evaluate how the government has implemented the resolutions of the National Economic Council. We are aware that the state is executing several impactful projects, and we are particularly impressed with the reconstruction of the Oba Market, which was completely destroyed by fire. The quality of work reflects the government’s commitment to rebuilding critical public infrastructure,” he said.
He added that the committee would also inspect other strategic projects across the state and appealed for continued cooperation from relevant ministries, departments and agencies to facilitate a successful assessment process.
Also speaking, the Edo State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Elizabeth Ebosele, reaffirmed the commitment of the Okpebholo administration to effective governance through prudent resource management, transparency, accountability and the efficient implementation of national economic policies.
She stated that the administration remains focused on translating government policies into measurable outcomes that directly improve the welfare and economic well-being of Edo people.
Dr. Ebosele described the monitoring visit as an important opportunity for the state to showcase the progress it has recorded, receive constructive feedback and strengthen collaboration with federal institutions in advancing national development objectives.
She also commended the National Economic Council, under the chairmanship of Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Implementation Monitoring Committee for promoting accountability, policy coordination and effective implementation of development programmes across the country.
The reconstruction of the historic Oba Market is one of the landmark projects of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, reflecting its resolve to restore critical public infrastructure, stimulate commercial activities and strengthen Edo State’s economy. The visit by the NEC Implementation Monitoring Committee further underscores growing national recognition of the state’s development strides, according to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua.
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