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By Tracy Moses
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to full cooperation with the National Assembly, following an interactive oversight session with the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission held at the National Assembly, Abuja.
The session, chaired by the Committee Chairman, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, formed part of the legislature’s constitutional mandate to scrutinise the operations, finances and programme implementation of federal agencies established to drive regional development.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the Commission to present a comprehensive briefing on its activities since the inauguration of its Board in February 2025, covering budget performance, institutional structure, procurement processes, partnerships and ongoing development programmes across the South-East geopolitical zone.
In a statement issued after the session, the Commission said it “provided detailed information on its organisational structure and staffing, budget performance, procurement processes, contracts awarded, institutional partnerships, and ongoing programmes across the region.”
The SEDC also briefed the Committee on its engagements with state governments in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, as well as federal ministries, development finance institutions and private sector partners involved in advancing the region’s development priorities.
However, lawmakers requested additional documentation on specific aspects of the Commission’s operations and programme implementation. The Commission said it welcomed the request and sought time to compile and transmit the required materials.
According to the statement, “the Committee adjourned proceedings to a later date pending receipt of the requested submissions, which the Commission is expected to provide on or before 23 June 2026.”
The Commission used the session to restate its guiding principles of transparency, accountability and institutional discipline, noting that it remains fully aligned with legislative oversight processes.
“SEDC remains committed to full cooperation with the National Assembly and all relevant oversight institutions. The Commission views accountability, transparency, and constructive engagement as fundamental to the successful delivery of its mandate and will continue to provide all information required to support effective legislative oversight,” the statement read.
Funding constraints and implementation challenges
A major highlight of the engagement was the Commission’s concern over funding limitations affecting project execution across the South-East.
SEDC disclosed that despite the appropriation of N140 billion in the 2026 budget, less than 10 per cent has so far been released, a development it said has slowed implementation of key infrastructure and development programmes.
The Commission stressed that its ability to deliver on its mandate is directly tied to timely access to appropriated funds, warning that delays could affect strategic interventions in infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment and regional security.
It noted that: “Of the N140 billion appropriated to the Commission in the 2026 budget, less than 10% has been released to date across all budget lines.”
SEDC further emphasized the need for accelerated releases, stating that development expectations in the region require sustained financial backing and coordinated institutional support.
Regional development initiatives
Despite funding constraints, the Commission said it has recorded significant progress in preparatory and strategic planning activities aimed at transforming the South-East economy.
It highlighted ongoing work on major infrastructure proposals, including gas pipeline and railway development projects designed to enhance regional connectivity and industrial growth.
The Commission also outlined its expanding network of institutional partnerships with organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Afreximbank, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Bank of Industry, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, and the Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria.
These collaborations, it said, are intended to mobilise technical expertise, financing and policy support for long-term development initiatives across the region.
SEDC also confirmed extensive engagements with stakeholders across government, academia, civil society and the private sector as part of a broader strategy to coordinate development interventions and avoid fragmented project delivery.
Vision 2050 and venture capital drive
A key milestone presented to the Senate Committee was the South East Vision 2050 stakeholder consultation, which brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics and development partners to design a long-term roadmap for regional transformation.
The Commission described the initiative as a foundational step toward building consensus around economic priorities and sustainable development pathways for the South-East.
In addition, SEDC highlighted the successful rollout of its inaugural South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP), under which 25 startups received equity investment following a competitive selection process.
The initiative, anchored within the South East Investment Company, is aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship, innovation and access to early-stage capital, while attracting private investment into the region’s emerging enterprise ecosystem.
SEDC said the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda and is designed to stimulate job creation and private sector-led growth.
Commitment to oversight and delivery
Reaffirming its position, the Commission maintained that constructive engagement with the legislature remains central to its operational philosophy.
It stressed that collaboration with oversight institutions is essential for building public trust, strengthening governance systems and ensuring effective use of public resources.
The Commission also expressed appreciation to the Senate Committee for its continued engagement and oversight, noting that such interactions contribute to institutional improvement and policy alignment.
As Nigeria continues to prioritise regional development and economic diversification, the SEDC said it remains focused on delivering measurable impact across infrastructure, investment and human capital development in the South-East, despite prevailing fiscal constraints.