Senate Investigates SEDC Over N3.6bn Spending, Questions N153m Office Rent

The Nigerian Senate has launched a financial probe into the South East Development Commission (SEDC), ordering the agency to produce comprehensive documentation explaining how N3.6 billion in funds has been spent. The demand follows a Senate committee investigation led by Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, which uncovered discrepancies between the N16.6 billion the commission received from the federal budget and the N13 billion remaining in its accounts. The SEDC has been given a deadline of June 23 to submit detailed records.

During the investigation, committee members questioned SEDC Managing Director Mark Okoy and his team over several expenditure items flagged as questionable. Most notably, senators expressed shock at a N153 million payment for rent on a single liaison office room in Abuja. An additional N2.5 billion in expenses was classified as unclear or suspicious, raising lawmakers' concerns about budget management and transparency at the commission. Sylvester Okonkwo, a former chief staff to the Senate President, was also present during the hearing.

Kalu told the SEDC leadership that the commission must provide full accountability for every naira spent, stating that no excuse would be accepted regardless of operational circumstances. The Senate committee chair described the financial records submitted by the agency as completely unacceptable after reviewing the expenditure profile. The investigation represents an intensification of Senate oversight of the South East Development Commission's management of public funds.

The SEDC receives allocations aimed at driving infrastructure development and economic recovery across the South East region. The commission's Managing Director was expected to appear before lawmakers with complete financial documentation detailing how the N16.6 billion budget has been utilised since its release in December 2025.