The Senate has intensified scrutiny of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), with Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Commission, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, demanding full accountability for the agency’s finances and questioning reports that it pays N153 million monthly rent for an office in Abuja despite receiving N16.6 billion in public funds.
Kalu raised the concerns on Tuesday during an interactive oversight session between the Senate Committee and the SEDC management led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Mark Okoye.
The former Abia State governor said the committee was determined to ensure transparency in the management of resources allocated to the Commission, stressing that accountability and prudent use of public funds remained non-negotiable.
He disclosed that the committee had requested comprehensive documentation covering the Commission’s finances, procurement processes, budget implementation, staff records, programmes, and compliance with the Federal Character Principle as part of its constitutional oversight responsibilities.
Expressing concern over reports that the Commission was allegedly spending N153 million monthly on rent for what he described as a small office space in Abuja, Kalu insisted that every expenditure must be justified.
The senator warned that the committee, made up of experienced lawmakers, would leave no stone unturned in obtaining all records relating to the Commission’s operations and financial activities.
“We can get the records from anywhere they are kept. I can personally obtain relevant records directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) right from my office,” Kalu said.
He also expressed disappointment over the management of the Commission’s finances, particularly considering the professional background of the Managing Director in economic administration and financial management.
The committee subsequently directed the SEDC to submit detailed records of its expenditures and all other requested documents at its next sitting.
Responding, the Commission’s management assured lawmakers that all financial records and relevant documents requested by the committee would be made available to facilitate the oversight process.
The development is an indication of the Senate’s growing determination to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible management of agencies established to drive development and infrastructure growth across the South-East region.
