By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The House of Representatives Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has approved the commission’s ₦140 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, aiming to accelerate socio-economic development across the South East region. The approval was given on 5 March 2026 at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, after a detailed review of the commission’s expenditure plans and strategic initiatives.
Committee chairman, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai (APC, Delta), highlighted that the budget will fund key interventions including road construction, education, healthcare, agriculture, and small-scale industry financing in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. Lawmakers emphasized that the allocation reflects confidence in the SEDC’s mandate to implement impactful projects and address historical development gaps.
Meanwhile, regional stakeholders and opposition lawmakers have called for enhanced oversight and monitoring mechanisms, stressing the need to prevent duplication with state and local government projects and ensure that funds produce tangible benefits for citizens. Civil society groups also urged full transparency and timely project execution to build public trust in the commission’s operations.
The approved budget underscores the federal government’s commitment to structured development in the South East, but effective implementation will be critical to achieving measurable outcomes and sustaining regional confidence.
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