SEDC mandate will address devastating effects civil war – Reps
House Committee Chair Emphasizes Reconstruction Goals of South-East Development Commission
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, stated that the commission aims to address the lingering impacts of the civil war, decades of neglect, and infrastructure deficits across the five states of the region.
Nkwonta made these remarks during an oversight visit by committee members to the commission’s facilities. He expressed confidence that establishing a headquarters for the SEDC would provide the necessary framework to implement development programs based on the principles of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation, which were articulated following the Nigerian Civil War.
Through inclusive economic initiatives and strategic interventions, the SEDC plans to contribute to the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, including federal roads and public buildings, while fostering economic growth across the region.
During the visit, SEDC Managing Director Mark Okoye highlighted that the four-storey headquarters building, donated by the Enugu State Government, would enhance the commission’s operational capacity and efficiency.
Okoye explained that consolidating the commission’s departments, executive management, and staff under one roof would improve coordination, strategic planning, and project execution. This arrangement is expected to eliminate administrative fragmentation, promote long-term planning, and expedite the implementation of regional development master plans.
He also noted the financial advantages of operating from a rent-free facility, which would lower overhead costs and enable the commission to allocate more funds toward essential development projects, including road construction and community interventions.
On fostering regional cooperation and innovation, Okoye stated that the new headquarters would act as a hub to strengthen collaboration among the five South-East states. He mentioned the South-East Venture Capital Programme, launched in May 2026, as a key initiative aimed at funding young technology innovators and creating innovation hubs to combat youth migration to cities like Lagos and Abuja.
Moreover, Okoye revealed that the facility would bolster the commission’s capacity to draw investments through the proposed South-East Investment Company, which is designed to connect private-sector investors, members of the diaspora, and other funding sources with significant development projects across the region.
