The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has defended its spending and operations following an interactive session with the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission, saying it remains committed to transparency and accountability.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 9, 2026, the commission said it appeared before the Senate committee as part of the National Assembly’s oversight duties.
During the session, SEDC provided information on its finances, activities, procurement procedures, partnerships, institutional growth, and ongoing programmes across the South-East.
The commission disclosed that the committee requested additional documents regarding certain aspects of its operations and expenditures.
According to SEDC, it welcomed the request and asked for time to gather and submit the materials to the level of detail required. The commission said the documents would be submitted on or before June 23, 2026.
Addressing public concerns about its Abuja Liaison Office, SEDC explained that the spending connected to the facility covered the establishment and running of its office at the Congress Building in Maitama, Abuja.
The office serves as a base for engagement with the National Assembly, federal ministries, government agencies, Development institutions, and other partners.
The commission stated that the amount being discussed represents the total cost of setting up and operating the office since its inauguration on February 11, 2025.
It said the expenditure includes rent, utilities, operational expenses, and basic office setup over the entire period.
SEDC also responded to concerns over funds described as implied expenditure.
It clarified that the funds relate to a contract awarded for the rehabilitation of its headquarters in Enugu, a facility that the Enugu State Government transferred to the commission.
According to the commission, the building requires extensive work before it can serve as its permanent headquarters.
SEDC said the contract complied with the requirements of the Public Procurement Act 2007. It also receives approvals from the Bureau of Public Procurement and the supervising ministry.
The commission maintained that the funds linked to the contract are commitments. He said that they have been legally approved but have not yet been paid out. It added that the money remains in the commission’s accounts.
SEDC further revealed that it has not received any capital budget funds since its establishment.
Despite this, it said that efforts have continued to prepare major development projects across the South-East while awaiting capital releases.
The commission explained that its spending so far has focused on building the institution and preparing projects for future implementation. It noted that it received its first funding more than 10 months after its establishment.
According to SEDC, funds have been used to pay staff salaries and arrears, train personnel, and establish operational offices. These offices are in Abuja and Enugu. Then the commission also provides the information technology infrastructure needed for its activities.
The commission also stated that resources have been spent on feasibility studies and due diligence for major regional projects.
These include plans linked to a possible gas infrastructure partnership aimed at boosting energy and industrial development in the South-East.
SEDC added that it participated in the Intra-African Trade Fair held in Algeria. It is also currently working on a partnership with Afreximbank. The goal is to create a Project Preparation Fund to revive struggling industries in the region.
Other activities listed by the commission include the South East Vision 2050 Stakeholder Forum. Then the South East Venture Capital Programme. The SEVCP, it said, has already provided investment support to 25 startups across the region.
The commission assured the Senate committee that it would submit all requested records. This includes procurement documents, contract details, payment schedules, and financial records, before the June 23 deadline.
