SEDC 2026 budget faces scrutiny as SEDA calls for review, transparency and independent citizens’ oversight of ₦140bn allocation

A civil society and socio-political organisation, the Southeast Development Agenda, has expressed strong concern over the proposed SEDC 2026 budget valued at ₦140 billion, presented by the Executive Director of the Southeast Development Commission, Mr Mark Okoye.

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The group consequently called for an immediate review of the allocation and the establishment of an independent citizens’ oversight mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability in the commission’s spending.

In a press statement signed by its Convener, Mr Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, and Secretary, Mr Chiemezie Kelechi Oluoha, and made available to journalists in Umuahia on Monday, the organisation said its assessment of publicly available figures revealed disproportionately high spending on administrative overheads and recurrent activities.

According to the statement, allocations for consultancies, media campaigns, stakeholder engagements, travel, summits and promotional programmes appeared to outweigh investments in tangible capital projects expected to drive development across the South-East region.

“These allocations appear to outweigh direct, visible and transformative capital projects that the people of the South-East region urgently expect,” the group stated.

SEDA identified excessive administrative and consultancy expenses, extensive public relations spending, roadshows, and summit-related costs among key areas of concern.

It also cited high travel expenditure, unclear infrastructure commitments and insufficient clarity surrounding security-related allocations.

While acknowledging that institutional planning and stakeholder engagement are necessary for a newly operational commission, the organisation stressed that such expenditures must remain proportionate and tied to measurable development outcomes.

The group warned that at a time of rising unemployment, infrastructure deficits and capital flight within the region, public resources should prioritise productive investments capable of stimulating industrial growth and economic competitiveness.

SEDA therefore urged both legislative and executive authorities to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the SEDC 2026 budget to rebalance spending in favour of infrastructure development and job-creating projects.

It further demanded the publication of a detailed budget breakdown, including capital and recurrent expenditure ratios, procurement frameworks, projected beneficiaries and performance indicators.

As part of its recommendations, the organisation proposed the creation of an independent multi-stakeholder oversight committee comprising civil society groups, professional bodies, private sector representatives, youth and women organisations, and development finance experts to monitor implementation on a quarterly basis.

The group maintained that development commissions must serve as catalysts for structural transformation rather than expand bureaucratic systems or prioritise ceremonial engagements.

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“The people of the South-East deserve a development blueprint anchored on industrial growth, infrastructure renewal, job creation, security stabilisation and transparent governance,” the statement added.