The Senate has demanded detailed explanations from the South East Development Commission (SEDC) over the utilisation of N16.6 billion released to the agency under the 2025 budget.
The demand was made on Tuesday during an investigative session of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission, following concerns raised by lawmakers over some expenditure items contained in the commission’s financial report.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Orji Kalu, said members were dissatisfied with aspects of the report presented by the commission’s management, particularly expenses relating to office accommodation and other financial commitments.
Lawmakers questioned the reported expenditure of N153 million on a liaison office in Abuja as well as N2.5 billion listed under implied expenditure, describing the disclosures as requiring further clarification.
Kalu said information available to the committee indicated that a significant portion of the funds released to the commission had already been spent, making it necessary for the agency to provide a comprehensive account of its financial activities.
According to him, the Senate expects full transparency in the management of public funds allocated for the development of the South-East region.
Other members of the committee, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh and Austin Akobundu, also expressed reservations about the financial report, noting that some details presented were insufficient.
In his response, the Managing Director of the commission, Mark Okoye, defended the agency’s spending, saying resources were being applied to priority projects and in line with available funding.
He explained that the commission was taking a cautious approach to project implementation to avoid awarding contracts that could not be adequately funded.
Okoye noted that budgetary allocations do not necessarily translate into immediate cash availability and stressed the need for prudent financial management.
Despite the explanation, the committee directed the commission to submit additional documents, including contract records, payment details and supporting financial documents.
The Senate panel gave the commission until June 23 to provide the requested information for further review.
Kalu said the committee would determine the next date for the commission’s appearance after examining the documents submitted.
The hearing was subsequently adjourned, with lawmakers insisting on greater accountability in the management of funds released to the commission.
