By Chinenye Onwusonye
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability following an oversight session with the Senate Committee on the Commission, promising to submit comprehensive financial and procurement records before June 23.
In a public statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said it welcomed the Senate Committee’s request for additional documentation on aspects of its operations and expenditure. It explained that the adjournment of the committee proceedings was intended to allow sufficient time for the collation and submission of detailed records requested by lawmakers.
The Commission disclosed that discussions during the oversight engagement covered its financial position, procurement procedures, institutional development, strategic partnerships and ongoing programmes across the South-East region.
Addressing concerns raised in public commentary about expenditures on its Abuja Liaison Office, SEDC said the spending represented the cumulative cost of establishing and operating the office since its inauguration in February 2025.
According to the Commission, the office serves as its operational base for engagement with the National Assembly, federal ministries, agencies, development finance institutions and strategic partners.
SEDC also clarified issues surrounding what has been described as “implied expenditure,” stating that the funds relate to a contract awarded for the rehabilitation of its designated headquarters in Enugu.
The Commission explained that the building was transferred to it by the Enugu State Government and requires extensive renovation before it can serve as its permanent headquarters.
The agency maintained that the contract followed due process under the Public Procurement Act, with approvals from relevant authorities.
It stressed that the funds involved represent budgeted commitments that have been legally approved but not yet disbursed, emphasizing that “the money has not left the Commission’s accounts.”
The Commission further revealed that it has yet to receive any allocation from its capital budget. Despite this, it said it had continued preparatory work on major regional development initiatives to ensure projects can commence swiftly once capital releases are made.
According to the statement, expenditure to date has covered staff salaries, arrears, capacity-building programmes, operational facilities in Abuja and Enugu, and the acquisition of critical information and communication technology infrastructure.
SEDC added that resources have also been deployed to project development activities, including feasibility studies for strategic regional projects, participation in international investment engagements, and the launch of the South East Venture Capital Programme, which it said has provided support to 25 startups across the region.
The Commission pledged to submit procurement records, contract details, payment schedules and supporting financial documents to the Senate Committee on or before June 23, expressing confidence that a full review of the records would provide a clearer picture of its activities and stewardship of public resources.
SEDC was established to drive economic transformation, infrastructure development, investment mobilisation and regional prosperity across the South-East geopolitical zone.
The Commission said it remains focused on delivering on that mandate while maintaining openness to legislative oversight and public scrutiny.
