SEDC Defends ₦153 million Single-room Office Accommodations

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has defended its expenditure of ₦153 million on a single-room office accommodation, stating that this amount covers rent and operational costs from the commission’s inception on 11 February 2025 to the present.

Following an interactive session with the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission on Tuesday, the Commission explained that it has prioritised relocating its office to a designated building in Enugu State after entering a formal agreement with the Enugu State Government.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, disclosed that among the expenditures was an annual payment of ₦153 million for a single-room office accommodation in Abuja, describing such spending as excessive and unjustifiable.

While reaffirming that the Commission has not received any funding from the capital budget, it stated that its expenditures are directed towards two overlapping objectives: establishing the institutional foundation on which the Commission’s full programme delivery depends, and advancing project development work that typically falls within the capital budget.

It noted that the Commission received its first disbursement nine months after inauguration, which led to accrued debts being written off, while others have matured.

The Commission indicated that its projects and programme development include engaging consultants for feasibility studies and due diligence on priority regional projects, including a potential gas infrastructure partnership with significant energy and industrial implications for the South East, alongside other initiatives.

Since commencing operations, the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has reportedly received a total allocation of ₦16.6 billion. However, concerns have been raised regarding its spending patterns, with allegations that nearly ₦5 billion has been disbursed on non-essential items and administrative costs.