..expresses optimism for regional growth
The House of Representatives Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has approved the commission’s 2025 budget, expressing confidence that it will mark a significant step toward addressing the long-standing neglect of the region since the end of the civil war over 54 years ago.
Speaking to journalists after the budget defense by the commission’s management, Committee Chairman Hon. Chris Nkwonta expressed optimism that the approved budget would pave the way for transformative development in the South East.
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The South East Development Commission (SEDC) on Monday presented a proposed budget of N250 billion to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Chairman of the House Committee on SEDC, Rep. Chris Nkwonta, disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Abuja, highlighting the commission’s financial blueprint for the fiscal year.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the SEDC bill into law said that with the budget which, the neglected part of the South East will now witness government presence in terms of infrastructural development.
Nkwonta said that the budget would be targeted at addressing infrastructural deficits in the geopolitical zone.
“This budget essentially is going to target those areas where there were deficits in terms of infrastructure, erosion and other areas of human capital development.
Nkwonta said “You are aware that since after the civil war, the South East has been. What it ought to be. Remember that at the end of the civil War there was this promise that was made to us.
“You know the three R’s abd till today, that has not been done until this President signed the bill into law. We are talking about 54 years after the civil war.
“This budget is essentially going to target those areas where there is deficit in infrastructure, erosion and other areas of human capital development.
“The Commission will be expected to build roads, bridges, railway and manpower development.
“Although the money will not be enough, this is just a take off grant. This is just the beginning because the SEDC is just a growing concern and the President has given them this take off grant.
“The commission also expect money to come in from federal allocation. I am told that money is also expected to come from the five South eastern states, from ecological funds coming into the country and from oil companies operating in the South East.
“Even though this is not enough, we need to start from somewhere. But we are grateful to the President thay after six military heads of state and five democratically elected Presidents, attention has been given to the South East.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Even those boys that are causing trouble, when they see that the region is now being taken care of, what they are doing now will not continue.
“If we truly want to develop the South East, there must be peace. Without security, progress becomes impossible,” Nkwonta stated.
He emphasized that key provisions in the budget are designed to address insecurity, unemployment, and youth development, recognizing them as crucial factors for stability in the region.
Nkwonta further highlighted that the South East Development Commission (SEDC), through its project implementation, aims to curb agitations and youth unrest, fostering lasting peace and development in the area.
