The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has raised the alarm over poor funding, revealing that less than 10 per cent of its N140 billion allocation in the 2026 budget has been released, a situation it says is threatening critical development projects across the South-East region.
The Commission disclosed this on Tuesday during an oversight session with the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission at the National Assembly, chaired by former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
SEDC warned lawmakers that the slow release of funds was hampering the execution of major infrastructure, economic and social development programmes designed to transform the region.
According to the Commission, despite the Federal Government and National Assembly’s commitment to the South-East through the creation and funding of the agency, inadequate cash backing remains a major obstacle.
“The Commission further noted that while the Federal Government and National Assembly have demonstrated commitment to the South East through the establishment and funding of the Commission, the pace of implementation remains closely tied to the timely release of appropriated funds.
“Of the N140 billion appropriated to the Commission in the 2026 budget, less than 10 per cent has been released to date across all budget lines,” the Commission stated.
It stressed that urgent release of funds would be needed to drive key projects aimed at boosting infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment, regional security and economic development.
“SEDC therefore reiterated the importance of accelerated releases to enable the execution of critical infrastructure, economic development, agricultural transformation, youth empowerment and regional security initiatives envisioned under its mandate,” it added.
The Commission, established to tackle developmental challenges and stimulate economic growth in the South-East, also used the session to highlight achievements recorded despite funding challenges.
SEDC told lawmakers that it had commenced planning for several strategic projects, including proposed railway and gas pipeline initiatives expected to boost economic integration and industrial growth in the region.
It also disclosed that it had secured partnerships with major institutions, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Afreximbank, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Bank of Industry, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and the Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria.
The Commission further revealed that it had engaged extensively with the governments of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, as well as federal agencies, development partners, academic institutions and private sector players.
One of its landmark achievements, according to the Commission, was the successful hosting of the South East Vision 2050 stakeholder consultations, which brought together government officials, business leaders, academics, civil society organisations and development partners to chart a long-term roadmap for the region’s development.
SEDC also highlighted the success of the inaugural South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP), under which 25 start-ups across the region received equity investments after a rigorous selection process.
The initiative, it said, is aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and private sector growth while attracting more investors to the region.
As part of its oversight duties, the Senate Committee requested additional documents relating to some aspects of the Commission’s activities and programme implementation.
SEDC welcomed the request and sought time to compile the required materials.
“Following discussions, the Committee adjourned proceedings to a later date pending receipt of the requested submissions, which the Commission is expected to provide on or before June 23, 2026,” the statement said.
The Commission pledged continued cooperation with the National Assembly and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and effective service delivery.
It maintained that sustained funding, strong institutional coordination and collaboration among governments, development partners and the private sector remain crucial to achieving meaningful development across the South-East.
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