A budget oversight session turned tense as lawmakers demanded explanations over fund utilization, account balances, and office expenditure at the South East Development Commission.
By Wapcodehub9ja LIVE News Correspondent Reporting Live From Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) came under scrutiny during a Senate oversight session after lawmakers questioned the agency’s reported budget balance and expenditure profile, including spending on office accommodation in Abuja.
A Senate oversight engagement involving the South East Development Commission (SEDC) drew attention on Tuesday after members of a Senate committee questioned the agency’s financial records and expenditure profile. The exchange, which featured a direct discussion between Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and SEDC Managing Director Mark Okoye, centered on the utilization of funds allocated to the commission under the 2025 budget and the accuracy of figures presented before lawmakers.
During the session, Senator Kalu sought clarification regarding funds reportedly received by the commission from the 2025 budget allocation. According to the discussion, questions were raised concerning the amount of money remaining in the commission’s accounts and whether the figures presented by the agency aligned with information available to the committee.
Responding to inquiries from lawmakers, SEDC Managing Director Mark Okoye stated that the commission had approximately ₦11 billion remaining. However, Senator Kalu disputed the figure, maintaining that information available to him indicated a different balance. The disagreement led to a more intense exchange as committee members pressed for further clarification regarding the commission’s financial position.
The discussion also extended to the issue of office accommodation and administrative expenditure. Senator Kalu questioned the amount reportedly spent on office facilities in Abuja, expressing concern over what he described as a significant payment for office space. He told the session that the committee was dissatisfied with aspects of the expenditure profile presented before lawmakers and expected greater accountability regarding the use of public funds.
In response, Mark Okoye stated that he had previously communicated with the committee regarding aspects of the matter before the hearing. He maintained that he had supporting evidence concerning his earlier communication and sought to explain the circumstances surrounding the issues being discussed. The exchange highlighted differences between the agency’s position and concerns raised by lawmakers during the oversight process.
The hearing forms part of the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to oversee public institutions and monitor the utilization of appropriated funds. Such sessions are designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with budgetary provisions by government agencies and commissions receiving public resources.
The South East Development Commission was established to support development initiatives across the South-East region through infrastructure, economic, and social intervention programmes. As a relatively new institution, the commission’s financial management practices and project implementation activities have attracted significant public and legislative interest.
Public finance experts note that legislative oversight hearings play an important role in strengthening accountability within government institutions. They argue that open scrutiny of expenditure records helps improve public confidence in governance while ensuring that appropriated funds are utilized for their intended purposes.
As of the conclusion of the session, lawmakers indicated that further examination of the commission’s financial records may be required to address outstanding questions. The outcome of the review process could provide additional clarity regarding the issues raised during the hearing and the commission’s management of public funds.
Be the first to comment