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 South East Development Commission at the National Assembly. The interactive session, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, formed part of the National Assembly's constitutional oversight responsibilities and provided the commission with an opportunity to present its activities, financial performance, institutional growth, and programme implementation since the inauguration of its board in February 2025.
Details of the Oversight Session
During the engagement, SEDC officials provided detailed briefings on the commission's organisational structure, staffing, budget implementation, procurement procedures, contract awards, and strategic partnerships aimed at driving development across the South-East region. The commission also outlined its engagements with state governments, federal institutions, development finance organisations, and private sector stakeholders working to advance the region's development priorities.
At the meeting, the Senate Committee requested additional documentation relating to specific aspects of the commission's operations and programme execution. SEDC welcomed the request and sought time to compile and submit the materials. Following deliberations, the committee adjourned proceedings and directed the commission to submit the requested documents on or before June 23, 2026.
Funding Challenges and Progress
Despite funding challenges, SEDC highlighted progress made in laying the groundwork for major regional projects, including proposed gas pipeline and railway initiatives designed to accelerate economic growth and integration within the South-East. The commission disclosed that it had established strategic partnerships with several institutions, including 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.
Meanwhile, the AdvoKC Foundation has applauded the 10th Senate for passing a landmark amendment to the compulsory Free Universal Basic Education (UBEC) Act, describing the move as a transformative step towards rescuing Nigeria's troubled education sector. The Senate had approved a bill seeking to increase the federal allocation to basic education from two per cent to five per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), while also expanding the scope of free and compulsory education to cover senior secondary school. In a statement signed by its Communications Manager, Luqman Adamu, the foundation said the decision represented a monumental step towards strengthening the country's education system and tackling the persistent challenge of out-of-school children.
