The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has officially inaugurated the House Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) in a ceremony held on Wednesday in Abuja. Abbas emphasised that the inauguration marks a collective commitment to advancing the development and investment needed in the South-East region.
Describing the establishment of the committee as the beginning of renewed efforts to unlock the full potential of the South-East, Abbas highlighted the region’s resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and industry. He explained that the creation of the SEDC is a response to the long-standing challenges the region faces, including gully erosion, infrastructural decay, economic stagnation, youth unemployment, and the lingering impact of insecurity.
Abbas stressed that the commission’s purpose is to drive recovery, modernisation, and economic revitalisation, positioning the South-East as a hub for innovation and industrial growth. He urged the committee to prioritise infrastructure, support industries, develop human capital, and promote peace and security. “This is not just about policy oversight; it is about improving the lives of millions who look to us for leadership and tangible solutions,” he said.
He also called on the committee members to approach their responsibilities with diligence, patriotism, and a commitment to the greater good of the region and Nigeria as a whole. He expressed confidence that with determination and collaboration, the committee would make a lasting impact and lay a foundation for the commission’s success.
The Speaker pledged the full support of the House to the committee, ensuring the commission meets its objectives and becomes a model for regional development.
In his remarks, Rep. Chris Nkwocha, the Chairman of the committee, described their mandate as a transformative journey toward securing a prosperous and sustainable future for the South-East. He lauded the creation of the SEDC 54 years after the civil war, noting that it complements President’s Reintegration, Reconstruction, and Reconciliation (RRR) initiative. Nkwocha expressed that the establishment of the commission has resonated strongly within the region, fostering goodwill and paving the way for stronger regional cooperation with the federal government.
Nkwocha affirmed that the committee’s responsibility was to ensure transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in the commission’s activities, with a focus on long-term, impactful projects. He cautioned against superficial interventions and underscored the need for the SEDC to deliver sustainable and tangible benefits to the people of the South-East.
Despite the challenges ahead, Nkwocha expressed confidence in the committee’s expertise and dedication to fulfilling its mandate and driving meaningful progress for the region
