NEWS
SEDC Defends Spending, Pledges Full Disclosure After Senate Oversight Session
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and full cooperation with legislative oversight institutions following its appearance before the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission.
In a public statement issued on June 9, 2026, the Commission disclosed that it participated in an interactive session with the Senate Committee as part of the National Assembly’s constitutional oversight responsibilities, during which it presented comprehensive briefings on its finances, operations, procurement procedures, institutional growth, strategic partnerships, and ongoing development programmes across the South-East region.
According to the Commission, the Senate Committee requested additional documentation relating to certain aspects of its operations and expenditure. The Commission welcomed the request and sought time to compile and submit the materials in the level of detail required. Following discussions, the session was adjourned, with the Commission expected to provide all requested documents on or before June 23, 2026.
Amid growing public interest and scrutiny surrounding the hearing, the Commission moved to address concerns that have dominated public discourse, particularly regarding its Abuja Liaison Office, expenditure records, and project commitments.
On the issue of the Abuja Liaison Office, SEDC explained that the expenditure associated with the facility covers the establishment and operation of a fully functional office located at the Congress Building in Maitama, Abuja. The office serves as the Commission’s strategic base for engagements with the National Assembly, federal ministries and agencies, development finance institutions, and key development partners.
The Commission stated that the expenditure figures being referenced publicly represent the cumulative cost of setting up and running the office from its inauguration on February 11, 2025, to the present, including rent, operational expenses, utilities, and essential fit-out works.
SEDC further revealed that both its Board and Management have prioritized relocating operations to its designated headquarters in Enugu. To minimize costs and avoid the acquisition of a new facility, the Commission secured the transfer of an existing building from the Enugu State Government and entered into a formal agreement to accelerate its rehabilitation and eventual occupation.
Addressing concerns surrounding what has been described as “implied expenditure,” the Commission clarified that the figures relate to a contract awarded for the rehabilitation of the Enugu headquarters building. It emphasized that the project was approved in accordance with the Public Procurement Act 2007, with authorization from the Bureau of Public Procurement and the concurrence of the supervising ministry.
SEDC stressed that the commitments represent budgeted obligations that have been lawfully approved but not yet paid out, noting that the funds remain within the Commission’s accounts and have not been disbursed.
The Commission also highlighted that it has not received any releases from its capital budget despite the enormous developmental expectations placed upon it. Nevertheless, it said it has continued to pursue project development initiatives and institutional strengthening efforts aimed at ensuring rapid implementation once capital funding becomes available.
According to the statement, spending so far has been focused on building the institutional framework required for effective programme delivery while simultaneously advancing project development activities that would ordinarily be funded through the capital budget.
The Commission noted that it operated for more than ten months before receiving its first disbursement of funds. During that period, resources were directed toward payment of staff salaries and arrears, training of seconded personnel, establishment of operational offices in Abuja and Enugu, and procurement of critical information and communication technology infrastructure necessary for operational readiness.
SEDC also outlined several programme and project development initiatives undertaken during the period. These include feasibility studies and due diligence assessments on priority regional projects, including a proposed gas infrastructure partnership with significant industrial and energy implications for the South-East.
The Commission further disclosed its participation in the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria, from which it is currently pursuing a partnership with Afreximbank to establish a Project Preparation Fund aimed at revitalizing moribund industries across the region.
Other initiatives highlighted include the South East Vision 2050 Stakeholder Forum and the launch of the South East Venture Capital Programme, which the Commission said has already provided investment support to 25 startups across the South-East.
Reiterating its commitment to openness, the Commission assured stakeholders that comprehensive procurement records, contract details, payment schedules, and supporting financial documents would be submitted to the Senate Committee before the June 23 deadline.
SEDC maintained that its mandate remains focused on driving economic transformation, infrastructure development, investment mobilization, and sustainable prosperity across the South-East, expressing confidence that a full review of the facts and supporting documentation would provide a clearer picture of its st
ewardship of public resources.