The Managing Director of the South East Development Commission, SEDC, Mark Okoye, has requested an additional two weeks to provide documentation supporting the commission's 2025 expenditure, following concerns raised by the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission over its financial management and operational structure.
The request came during an oversight session where members of the committee scrutinised the commission's expenditure profile, staffing levels and office accommodation arrangements.
Senator Victor Umeh raised concerns over complaints relating to office space constraints and inadequate personnel, while Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe sought clarification on the commission's implied 2025 budget performance, noting that an allocation of about ₦16.6 billion reportedly had only about ₦26 million remaining.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, Orji Uzor Kalu, expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided by the commission's management and demanded detailed documentation to justify its expenditures.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Okoye explained that the commission had earlier informed the committee of its need for additional time to assemble relevant records.
The managing director clarified issues surrounding the commission's budget implementation strategy, explaining that references to "implied allocations were aimed at ensuring projects are tied to available funding before procurement and contract awards are undertaken.
According to him, the commission is determined to avoid creating unfunded liabilities by awarding contracts without guaranteed funding.
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