By George Ozalla
Senator Tony Okechukwu Nwoye has cautioned the South East Development Commission (SEDC) over its proposed 140 billion naira 2026 budget, urging the agency to reduce spending on workshops, conferences, and seminars and focus instead on projects that deliver visible development across the South‑East region. The warning came on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, when the commission appeared before the Senate Committee overseeing its budget defence in Abuja.
Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial District, expressed concern that excessive allocations for consultancies and events could divert scarce public resources from critical infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, and roads. He told the commission’s leadership that it would be inappropriate to channel large sums into conferences while communities continue to face pressing developmental needs.
The senator also questioned the propriety of security expenditures in the commission’s budget, noting that state governors already maintain security votes to address local security challenges. He said he was not “playing to the gallery” and stressed that senators would not approve allocations lacking clear justification, measurable outcomes, or that duplicate existing government functions.
SEDC’s Managing Director, Mark Okoye, defended the budget, highlighting plans for infrastructure development, economic empowerment, social services, environmental sustainability, and regional security. He said the commission aims to position the South‑East as a competitive economic zone and build a 200 billion‑dollar economy within the next decade. While the Senate endorsed the 2026 budget, lawmakers emphasised that future funding would depend on transparency, accountability, and delivery of measurable results.
The South East Development Commission was established through an act of the National Assembly to coordinate development across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. Its functions include planning and executing large‑scale infrastructure projects, promoting industrialisation, improving health and education outcomes, reviving communities, attracting private sector investment, and supporting peacebuilding and security coordination. Lawmakers stressed the need for clear demarcation of roles to prevent duplication with state security responsibilities and ensure that public funds achieve tangible impact.
