By Princess Funsho Sumanu
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing resolutions of the National Economic Council (NEC) aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth, food security, healthcare delivery, social protection and rural development, as the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) of the National Economic Council commenced a verification visit to the state.
The delegation, led by Prof. Jerome Aondohol, was received at the Kogi State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, where the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Philip Ochu, represented the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, FCA.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Permanent Secretary said the visit underscored the National Economic Council’s commitment to ensuring that resolutions reached at its meetings translate into measurable outcomes that positively impact the lives of Nigerians.
He noted that the Ododo administration has continued to place agriculture, healthcare, social protection and rural economic development at the centre of its development agenda in line with the resolutions of the National Economic Council.
According to him, the state has remained focused on enhancing food security, strengthening primary healthcare services, expanding social intervention programmes, creating employment opportunities and improving rural infrastructure to drive inclusive economic growth.
Mr. Usman described the assessment as more than a performance evaluation, saying it presents an opportunity for constructive engagement, peer learning and institutional strengthening.
He assured the delegation of unhindered access to project sites, relevant information and stakeholders to ensure a successful and objective assessment exercise.
He further assured the team that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved had been adequately mobilised to provide maximum cooperation throughout the exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Team Leader, Prof. Jerome, appreciated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for opening the doors of the state for the verification exercise and commended the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning for its warm reception and hospitality.
He explained that the National Economic Council, chaired by the Vice President and comprising the 36 state governors, serves as a strategic platform for addressing common economic challenges and formulating policies that align federal and state development priorities.
According to him, the monitoring exercise was designed to assess the extent to which states have implemented NEC resolutions, promote accountability, encourage collaborative planning, and facilitate peer learning among sub-national governments.
Prof .stated that documenting successful initiatives in Kogi State would provide valuable lessons for other states, enabling them to replicate innovative programmes that improve citizens’ welfare.
As part of the exercise, the delegation visited the ongoing Kogi State International Airport project, where they were briefed on the level of work completed.
The Site Manager of CCCCC Nigeria Limited, Engr. Muhammad Rashid Karo, disclosed that the contractor had completed 100 per cent site clearance for the 4.3-kilometre runway, including blast pads, terminal building area, parking facilities and contractor yards, while mobilisation for earthworks had commenced.
He explained that the airport, situated on a 4,000-hectare site, is expected to be completed within 36 months and will significantly improve regional connectivity, attract investments, stimulate the solid minerals sector, create employment opportunities and boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
Commending the initiative, Prof. Aondohol, described the airport as a legacy project capable of transforming Kogi State’s economy. He noted that the project would enhance accessibility, attract private investment, unlock the state’s vast mineral potential and create thousands of jobs for the people.
The delegation also inspected the ongoing International Market project in Lokoja, where officials disclosed that construction had reached between 45 and 50 per cent completion.
The Lead Project Engineer, Engr. Amodu A. Benjamin, explained that the market, occupying over 25,000 square metres, will provide 1,080 purpose-built stalls and lock-up shops alongside modern facilities including cold rooms, banking halls, a butchery, daycare centres, a clinic, fire station and security post.
He added that the project, which currently employs more than 150 local workers, is designed to decongest major roads by relocating roadside traders into a well-planned commercial environment capable of stimulating commerce and increasing government revenue.
The committee equally visited the National Community Food Bank initiative, where Kogi State is serving as the North Central pilot state ahead of the programme’s nationwide implementation.
The State Nutrition Officer, Mr. Abdul-Aziz Usman, explained that the initiative targets vulnerable groups, including malnourished children under six years, pregnant women and nursing mothers through nutrition screening integrated into routine primary healthcare services.
He revealed that through a structured voucher redemption system operating in Kabba, Okene and Dekina, the programme has enrolled over 155 beneficiaries, with 55 families already redeeming essential food packages.
Mr. Usman noted that beyond addressing food insecurity arising from flooding and displacement, the initiative has significantly improved attendance at primary healthcare facilities across the state’s 239 wards.
The visiting delegation expressed satisfaction with the level of implementation of projects and programmes aligned with National Economic Council resolutions, describing Kogi State’s initiatives as worthy of documentation and peer learning for other states across the federation.
