Senate Questions N153m Office Rent by South East Commission

The Senate has accused the South East Development Commission (SEDC) of spending N153 million on a one-room office in Abuja during an investigative hearing on Tuesday. Senate committee chair Orji Uzor Kalu questioned the commission's managing director, Mark Okoy, regarding the financial records and operational spending of the commission.

Kalu demanded to know the remaining N16.6 billion released to the commission and warned the committee not to overlook any irregularities. He expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided by Okoy, insisting that the figures did not align with available information.

The committee obtained records from the Central Bank of Nigeria and directed Okoy to return with comprehensive documentation. The SEDC clarified that the N153 million was not solely for rent but covered the establishment of an Abuja liaison office located in a congress building, with an occupancy agreement until February 2025.

The Senate committee has requested further details on contract awards and expenditures by June 23.