By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, SEDC, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has commended the management of the Commission for what he described as its bold and strategic efforts towards the development of the South-East region.
Kalu gave the commendation during an interactive session with the management team of the Commission at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as part of the Senate Committee’s oversight engagement.
At the meeting, the SEDC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the sustainable development of the South-East, while presenting a comprehensive report on its activities since the inauguration of its Governing Board in February 2025.
The report covered key areas, including budget implementation, organisational structure, procurement procedures, contracts awarded and institutional partnerships.
The Commission also briefed lawmakers on its collaborations with state governments, federal institutions and development partners aimed at accelerating socio-economic growth across the region.
During the oversight session, the Senate Committee requested additional documents relating to certain aspects of the Commission’s operations, particularly in the area of programme execution.
Speaking on the Commission’s activities, the Executive Director, Finance, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, highlighted several milestones achieved despite funding constraints. He assured the lawmakers of the Commission’s readiness to comply with all legislative requests, while noting that a short period would be required to compile and submit the requested documents.
Following deliberations, the Committee adjourned the oversight exercise to a later date, with the Commission expected to provide all outstanding submissions on or before June 23, 2026.
Ohajuruka also outlined major transformational initiatives already in the pipeline, revealing that the Commission had commenced preparatory work on critical infrastructure projects, including gas pipeline and railway development schemes.
According to him, the SEDC has established strategic partnerships with several reputable institutions and development agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, Afreximbank, the Bank of Industry and the Rural Electrification Agency, among others.
He further disclosed that the Commission had successfully implemented the inaugural South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP), through which 25 start-ups from the region received equity investments designed to stimulate entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth.
However, the Executive Director expressed concern over the slow pace of fund releases, revealing that less than 10 per cent of the N140 billion appropriated to the Commission in the 2026 budget had so far been disbursed.
He stressed that the timely release of funds was critical to the successful execution of key infrastructure projects, agricultural transformation programmes, youth empowerment initiatives and regional security interventions.
The Senate Committee, led by Senator Kalu, acknowledged the Commission’s achievements and emphasised the need for the prompt release of appropriated funds to enable it to effectively deliver on its mandate.
The SEDC, in turn, reiterated its commitment to working closely with the National Assembly and maintaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability and good governance in delivering meaningful and sustainable development to the people of the South-East.
