The Edo State Executive Council (EXCO), led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has rolled out a fresh wave of major investments across key sectors—including transportation, security, agriculture, and infrastructure—designed to improve the welfare of residents and drive sustainable development.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohombamu, said EXCO reached “a lot of decisions and approvals in virtually all sectors, including education, infrastructure, transportation, and justice delivery.”
Boost for Public Transport
To strengthen Edo’s transportation system, EXCO approved the purchase of 50 new Toyota Hiace buses (2024 model) for the New Edo Line, complementing the 100 buses earlier procured. In addition, 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses (2025 model) were approved for the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), underscoring the government’s commitment to clean energy and efficient mobility.
Enhancing Security
The Council also approved the acquisition of 111 motorbikes for security agencies, adding to over 300 units previously purchased by the administration to enhance rapid response and community safety.
Strengthening Agriculture
In a bid to cut costs and boost productivity, EXCO approved the procurement of five bulldozers and one lowbed truck for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, ending the previous practice of renting equipment.
Road Infrastructure Projects
The Council gave the green light to key road construction and rehabilitation projects in Edo’s oil and gas producing areas under EDSOPADEC. Approved projects include:
- Construction of Eromo Road, Ikpoba-Okha LGA
- Construction of Presidential Road, Ikpoba-Okha LGA
- Rehabilitation of Ugo Market Road, Orhionmwon LGA
- Construction of Odion Umoru Road, Ikpoba-Okha LGA
Diaspora Investment Drive
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq., also reported on Governor Okpebholo’s recent trip to Scotland, where he attended a diaspora investment summit organized by the Edo State Diaspora Agency.
A key highlight was the signing of an MoU between the European African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Edo State Government for a $250 million investment over the next three to five years.
Ikhilo stressed the shift toward harnessing diaspora remittances for investment:
“Last year, diaspora remittances were the second-highest source of foreign income in Nigeria after crude oil—over $20 billion—but only 2% went into investment. We are creating a vehicle to convert more of that into direct investments.”
A Scottish delegation is expected to visit Edo State soon to follow up on specific projects.
The EXCO meeting reinforced the Okpebholo administration’s commitment to good governance, infrastructure expansion, enhanced security, agricultural reforms, and diaspora-driven investment, signaling readiness to sustain momentum and deliver tangible results for Edo people.
