By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Governors of the five South-East states Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo have resolved to inject an additional N25 billion into the 2026 budget of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to accelerate development projects across the region.
The decision was disclosed on Wednesday, 25 February, 2026 by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on SEDC, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, during the submission of the commission’s 2026 budget report to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Kalu explained that the contribution, which amounts to N5 billion from each state, followed consultations with governors and key stakeholders, adding that the intervention became necessary after the commission received minimal funding in the 2025 fiscal year.
According to him, inadequate releases in 2025 significantly hampered the commission’s operations and stalled several initiatives.
“The commission received hardly any funding in the 2025 fiscal year. Consequently, several projects and strategic initiatives were suspended and remain pending,” Kalu said.
He noted that the 2026 budget proposal was structured to address both new priorities and unfinished programmes.
“The 2026 proposal is therefore for both fresh appropriation and necessary intervention to re-activate stale projects and restore developmental momentum across the region,” he added.
Furthermore, Kalu said the governors’ commitment reflected a collective determination to reposition the South-East Development Commission for greater impact.
“In view of this, as chairman of the committee, one who has had deliberation with the governors and major stakeholders in the Southeast region, respectfully requesting that the committee consider an additional N5 billion allocation to each of the states, amounting to N25 billion to augment the N140 billion,” he stated.
He stressed that the additional funding would enhance the commission’s capacity to deliver on critical mandates.
“This additional provision will enable SEDC to accelerate the development of the region in health and educational sectors, in line with the Federal Government Renewed Hope Agenda,” Kalu said.
The South East Development Commission has a proposed allocation of N140 billion for the 2026 fiscal year. With the additional N25 billion pledged by the governors, the commission’s funding envelope is projected to rise to N165 billion, a development expected to significantly boost project execution.
Established to tackle infrastructure deficits and socio-economic challenges in the South-East, the SEDC is mandated to drive investments in priority sectors, including roads, healthcare, education and youth empowerment.
Meanwhile, receiving the report on behalf of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, Senator Tahir Monguno commended the initiative, expressing optimism that similar support would be replicated in other regions.
He said the move demonstrated the importance of state-level collaboration in strengthening regional development commissions.
