South-East governors boost SEDC budget with N25bn pledge, raising 2026 allocation to N165bn to fast-track stalled development projects

Governors of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states on Wednesday resolved to inject an additional N25bn into the 2026 budget of the South East Development Commission in Abuja, a move designed to fast-track development projects across the region.

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Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, disclosed the decision during the submission of the commission’s 2026 budget report to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu said the contribution translates to N5bn from each of the five South-East states.

The South East Development Commission has a proposed N140bn allocation for the 2026 fiscal year.

With the additional N25bn pledged by the governors, the funding envelope is expected to rise to N165bn, significantly strengthening the commission’s capacity to execute projects.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu explained that the augmentation followed consultations with governors and key stakeholders in the region.

The senator stressed that the intervention became necessary after the commission received minimal funding in 2025, leading to the suspension of several strategic initiatives.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu said the commission received hardly any funding in the 2025 fiscal year, resulting in stalled projects that remain pending.

The senator noted that the 2026 proposal therefore combines fresh appropriation with targeted intervention to reactivate dormant projects and restore developmental momentum across the South-East.

According to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the additional provision would enable the commission to accelerate development in the health and education sectors, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The lawmaker described the commitment by the governors as a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity.

The South East Development Commission was established to address infrastructure deficits and socio-economic challenges in the region. The commission is mandated to drive investments in roads, healthcare, education and youth empowerment.

Receiving the report on behalf of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola, Senator Tahir Monguno commended the initiative.

Senator Tahir Monguno expressed hope that governors from other geopolitical zones would emulate their South-East counterparts in supporting regional development commissions.

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The decision underscores renewed collaboration between federal lawmakers and state governments in mobilising resources to reposition the South-East for sustained growth in 2026.