SEDC Restates Commitment To Transparency, Regional Development

The South East Development Commission, SEDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and regional development following an oversight session with the Senate Committee on the commission at the National Assembly.

The session chaired by Chairman of the committee, Orji Uzor Kalu, formed part of the legislature’s constitutional oversight responsibilities and provided a platform for the commission to present its activities since the inauguration of its board in February 2025.

SEDC officials briefed lawmakers on the commission’s organisational structure, staffing, budget performance, procurement processes, contracts, partnerships and ongoing programmes across the South East.

The commission also outlined its engagements with state governments, federal institutions, development partners and private sector stakeholders aimed at advancing regional development priorities.

During the session, the committee requested additional documentation on aspects of the commission’s operations. SEDC said it would submit the required materials on or before June 23, after which the committee adjourned further proceedings.

The Executive Director of Finance, Stanley Ohajuruka
highlighted progress made despite funding constraints, noting that it had initiated preparatory work on major projects, including gas pipeline and railway developments.

He also cited partnerships with institutions such as the United Nations Development Programme, Afreximbank, the Rural Electrification Agency and the Bank of Industry.

SEDC said it had engaged stakeholders across the five South East states and convened consultations under its “South East Vision 2050” initiative to develop a long-term framework for economic transformation in the region.

The commission further announced the implementation of the South East Venture Capital Programme, under which 25 startups received equity investment to support innovation and entrepreneurship.

However, SEDC raised concerns over funding, stating that less than 10% of the N140 billion appropriated in the 2026 budget had been released.

It stressed that timely funding is critical to executing infrastructure, economic, agricultural and youth development programmes across the region.

The commission pledged continued cooperation with the National Assembly and other oversight bodies, emphasizing that transparency and accountability remain central to its mandate.

SEDC was established to drive economic development, reconstruction and regional transformation across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji