Abuja, Nigeria — The South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the Enugu State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the South East Agro Development Programme, aimed at driving agricultural transformation and economic growth in the region.
The agreement, signed on Thursday, marks the first state-level partnership under the Commission’s regional agricultural agenda and is expected to boost productivity, attract private investment, and enhance food security across the South East.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Director, Projects, SEDC, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, described the development as a major step toward translating policy into measurable impact.
“The true measure of our success will not be today’s signatures… but what follows after today: the land prepared, the investments attracted, the jobs created, and the impact felt by ordinary people,” he said.
On behalf of the Enugu State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the partnership aligns with the state’s strategy to develop agriculture into a commercially viable sector capable of driving investment and job creation.
He noted that the initiative supports Governor Peter Mbah’s agenda of private sector-led growth, economic diversification, and inclusive development.
According to SEDC, the programme is designed to activate underutilised agricultural assets, promote value-chain development, and encourage sustainable practices while strengthening host community participation.
The Commission added that the initiative is structured as a regional economic strategy to drive agro-industrialisation, rather than a conventional intervention programme.
Financial institutions, including the Bank of Industry, are expected to support the programme with funding mechanisms to improve access to capital for investors and project developers.
SEDC disclosed that the Enugu partnership represents the first phase of a broader regional rollout, with similar agreements planned for other South East states, including Abia and Ebonyi.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, collaboration, and measurable outcomes, expressing confidence that the programme would stimulate job creation, boost regional trade, and enhance long-term economic prosperity.
