…says no fund paid for Enugu headquarters rehabilitation, pledges full disclosure of records by June 23
By Gloria Ikibah
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and full cooperation with the National Assembly, following its appearance before the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission. 
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission said it used the oversight session to provide detailed briefings on its finances, operational activities, procurement procedures, institutional growth, strategic partnerships and ongoing programmes across the South-East.
According to the Commission, the Senate Committee requested additional documentation relating to certain aspects of its operations and expenditure. It said it welcomed the request and sought a short period to compile and submit the required records.
“Following discussions, proceedings were adjourned to a later date pending submission of the requested documents, which the Commission will provide on or before 23 June 2026,” the statement said.
The Commission also addressed issues that have generated public discussion in recent days, particularly expenditure linked to its Abuja Liaison Office and references to what has been described as “implied expenditure”.
Abuja Liaison Office Explained
SEDC said the expenditure associated with its Abuja Liaison Office covered the establishment and operation of a fully furnished office at the Congress Building in Maitama, Abuja.
The Commission explained that the facility serves as its operational base for engagements with the National Assembly, federal ministries and agencies, development finance institutions and strategic partners.
“The expenditure cited reflects the cumulative cost of establishing and running the office since its inauguration on 11 February 2025 to date, covering rent, operational costs, utilities, and basic fit-out works across that entire period”, the statement read.
The Commission added that its board and management remain committed to relocating to its designated headquarters in Enugu as soon as possible.
According to the statement, rather than incur the cost of acquiring a new property, the Commission secured the transfer of an existing building from the Enugu State Government and entered into an agreement with the state to accelerate rehabilitation works and facilitate its relocation.
Clarification on ‘Implied Expenditure’
Responding to reports about so-called “implied expenditure”, SEDC said the references relate to a contract awarded for the rehabilitation of its future headquarters in Enugu.
The building, it noted, was transferred by the Enugu State Government but requires extensive work before it can serve as the Commission’s permanent headquarters.
It further clarified that the expenditure being discussed represents approved financial commitments rather than actual payments.
“The contract was awarded in accordance with the Public Procurement Act 2007, following approval by the Bureau of Public Procurement and the concurrence of the supervising ministry.
“These commitments represent budgeted obligations that have been lawfully committed but not yet disbursed, consistent with established public sector financial management practice. To be precise: this money has not left the Commission’s accounts,” the Commission stated.
Capital Funds Yet to Be Released
SEDC disclosed that it has not received any funding from its capital budget allocation.
Despite this, it said efforts have continued to advance strategic development initiatives across the region while laying the institutional groundwork required for future project implementation.
The Commission noted that spending so far has focused on two key areas: building its operational structure and advancing project development activities that would ordinarily be financed through capital releases.
“It is worth recalling that the Commission received its first disbursement of funds after more than ten months of being in existence,” the statement further said.
The Commission explained that institutional expenditure has included payment of staff salaries and arrears, training for seconded personnel, establishment of operational offices in Abuja and Enugu, and procurement of essential information and communications technology infrastructure.
Project Development and Regional Initiatives
On programme implementation, SEDC said it has financed feasibility studies and due diligence exercises for priority regional projects, including a proposed gas infrastructure partnership with significant economic and industrial implications for the South-East.
The Commission also highlighted its participation in the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria, which it said has opened discussions with Afreximbank on establishing a Project Preparation Fund aimed at reviving dormant industries across the region.
Other initiatives cited include the South East Vision 2050 Stakeholder Forum and the South East Venture Capital Programme.
According to the statement, the venture capital initiative has already provided investment support to 25 start-ups drawn from across the South-East.
Records to Be Submitted
SEDC assured the Senate Committee that comprehensive records would be submitted before the next hearing.
Reiterating its commitment to openness and accountability, the Commission said it remains focused on its mandate of driving economic transformation, infrastructure development, investment mobilisation and regional prosperity across the South-East.
“The Commission will submit comprehensive documentation, including procurement records, contract details, payment schedules, and supporting financial records, to the Senate Committee on or before 23 June 2026.
“The Commission remains focused on that mandate and is confident that a full review of the facts and supporting documentation will provide a complete picture of its activities and stewardship of public resources,” the statement added.
