The Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has fixed June 9, 2026, for a crucial oversight session with the leadership of the Commission as lawmakers intensify scrutiny of its finances, projects and overall performance since inception.
The meeting follows a request by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Hon. Mark Okoye, for the rescheduling of an earlier engagement initially slated for June 2.
In a letter signed by the Committee Clerk, Barrister Tagbo Okeke, the Senate directed the Commission to appear before the committee alongside members of its Board, Executive Directors and other key management staff.
The committee said the session forms part of its constitutional oversight responsibilities and is aimed at examining the Commission’s operations, financial management, policies, programmes and administrative activities.
As part of preparations for the hearing, the lawmakers requested a wide range of documents, including staff records, audited financial statements, budget performance reports, procurement records and evidence of compliance with the Federal Character Principle.
The Senate Committee also demanded detailed records of all expenditures incurred by the Commission, including personnel costs, consultancy payments, training expenses, publicity spending, welfare packages and other administrative costs.
Particular attention is expected to focus on the Commission’s project execution record, with lawmakers requesting comprehensive details of all projects, interventions, programmes and contracts undertaken by the agency.
The Commission is expected to provide information on project locations, contract values, procurement procedures and implementation status as part of efforts to determine the impact of its activities across the South-East.
The committee will also examine records of local and international trips, conferences, workshops, retreats and stakeholder engagements involving members of the Board, management and staff of the Commission.
Sources familiar with the oversight exercise said lawmakers are determined to ensure transparency, accountability and prudent management of public funds allocated to the agency.
The committee, which is made up of senators from across the country and largely comprises lawmakers from the South-East geopolitical zone, is expected to conduct a rigorous review of the Commission’s activities.
The outcome of the hearing is likely to address growing public interest in the performance of the SEDC and provide clarity on how resources released by the Federal Government have been deployed to advance development in the region.
The session is also expected to examine concerns in some quarters over the Commission’s spending priorities, particularly allegations that substantial resources may have been expended on conferences, seminars, workshops and official travels rather than on projects with direct and measurable benefits for communities across the South-East.
With the Commission set to appear before lawmakers next week, stakeholders across the region are expected to closely monitor the proceedings as the Senate seeks to assess whether the agency is delivering on its mandate of driving development and infrastructure renewal in the South-East.
