The South East Development Commission has presented a one hundred and forty Billion naira 2026 Budget proposal to the House of Representatives.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, said that the commission has been meeting with stakeholders who are interested in investing in the region.
He said that the stakeholders engagement ended with an event aimed where it rolled out twenty five years agenda.
He said that the commission hopes to make the South East region, an investment hub in Africa.
He said, “The region is poised to tap into the ongoing diaspora remittances.
“The commission has a social contract with states in the region to harmonise land acquisition to boost investments.”
Mr Okoye also said that the states in the South East have embraced the commission’s project
He also said that the SEDC is working to carry everyone along in its project.
“The budget is to cover capitalising the SEDC, SEDC security, project preparation facility, agriculture Development Programme, SEDC investment programme, grass sports programme, youths Entrepreneur Programme. Tourism Development Programme,” Mr Okoye said.
He pointed out that the key takeaways from his engagements are: Proud patriotism; Optimistic Scepticism; Youth endorsements and Diaspora acceptance.
The Chairman of the South East Development Committee, Mr Chris Nkonta, commended the managing director for being a round peg in a round hole
He said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the right choice by appointing Mr Okoye.
The Chairman also noted that the South East would benefit from the Managing Director’s wealth of experience and that of his team.
A member of the committee, Mr Muhammed Jakere, moved that the Capital budget of 140 billion was low and needed to be increased.
The Committee adopted the commission’s budget as a working document.