The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in the execution of its mandate across the South-East region.
The assurance was given during an oversight session with the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Commission’s Executive Director of Finance, Stanley Ohajuruka, the engagement formed part of the National Assembly’s constitutional oversight responsibilities and enabled the Commission to present a detailed report on its activities, financial performance, institutional growth, strategic partnerships and programme implementation since the inauguration of its Board in February 2025.
During the session, the Commission disclosed that less than 10 per cent of the N140 billion appropriated to it in the 2026 budget had so far been released across all budget lines.
It stressed that timely disbursement of funds remains critical to the implementation of key infrastructure projects, economic development programmes, agricultural transformation initiatives, youth empowerment schemes and regional security interventions within its mandate.
The Commission noted that while the Federal Government and the National Assembly have demonstrated commitment to the development of the South-East through the establishment and funding of the agency, the pace of project delivery is largely dependent on the prompt release of appropriated funds.
SEDC also provided updates on its organisational structure, staffing, budget implementation, procurement procedures, awarded contracts, institutional partnerships and ongoing development programmes across the region.
The Commission further briefed the committee on its engagements with state governments, federal agencies, development finance institutions and other stakeholders working to advance the region’s development agenda.
As part of its oversight review, the committee requested additional documentation on specific aspects of the Commission’s operations and programme implementation.
The Commission welcomed the request and sought a short period to compile and submit the required documents in the level of detail requested by the committee.
Following deliberations, the committee adjourned the session to a later date pending the submission of the requested documents, which the Commission is expected to provide on or before 23 June 2026.
SEDC also highlighted progress recorded despite funding challenges, reiterating its commitment to delivering measurable development outcomes through prudent resource management, transparent governance, strategic partnerships and effective programme implementation.
