Senate Gives South East Development Commission 7-Day Ultimatum Over ₦16.6bn Expenditure

The Senate has issued a one-week ultimatum to the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to account for ₦16.6 billion in federal funds, following concerns raised over its financial records.

The Senate Committee, chaired by Senator Orji Kalu, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the commission’s accounts, describing them as “completely unacceptable.”

Among the issues flagged were a reported ₦153 million spent on the rental of a single office space, as well as ₦2.5 billion listed under expenditures that were not adequately explained.

Lawmakers demanded full documentation and detailed breakdowns of the spending, giving the commission’s Managing Director until June 23, 2026, to submit all required records for verification.

The committee warned that failure to provide satisfactory explanations could lead to further legislative action and intensified scrutiny of the commission’s operations.

The development has sparked renewed debate on transparency and accountability in the management of regional development funds.