Senate Committee Summons SEDC Over Spending, Project Implementation

BY CHRIS UJAH 

The Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has fixed June 9, 2026, for an interactive oversight session with the Commission’s leadership following a request by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Mark Okoye, to reschedule an earlier meeting slated for June 2.

In a letter signed by the Committee Clerk, Barrister Tagbo Okeke, the Senate approved the new date and directed the Commission to appear alongside members of its Board, Executive Directors and relevant management staff.

According to the Committee, the engagement is part of its constitutional oversight responsibilities aimed at reviewing the Commission’s activities, finances, policies, programmes and administration since inception.

Ahead of the session, the Committee requested extensive documentation, including staff records, audited financial statements, procurement records, budget performance reports, and evidence of compliance with the Federal Character Principle.

Particular attention will be given to details of all expenditures incurred by the Commission, including personnel costs, consultancy fees, training expenses, publicity, welfare packages and administrative spending.

The lawmakers also demanded comprehensive details of all projects, programmes, interventions and contracts executed by the Commission, including their locations, costs, procurement processes and implementation status.

Records of local and foreign trips, conferences, workshops, retreats and stakeholder engagements undertaken by Board members, management and staff are also expected to come under scrutiny.

The Committee, which comprises Senators drawn from different parts of the country and is largely made up of South-East lawmakers, is expected to rigorously exercise its oversight mandate to ensure transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.

The outcome of the hearing is expected to address growing public concerns over the performance of the Commission and determine whether funds released by the Federal Government have been effectively utilized to advance development in the South-East.

The session is also expected to clarify allegations that significant resources may have been spent on conferences, seminars and official travels rather than on projects capable of delivering tangible benefits to communities across the region.