The Senate has ordered the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to provide detailed explanations on how it spent ₦16.6 billion allocated from the federal budget, following concerns raised over its financial records and expenditure breakdown.
The directive was issued on Tuesday during an investigative session of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
During the hearing, lawmakers reviewed the commission’s financial submissions and expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as unclear and poorly documented spending patterns.
Senator Kalu did not hide the committee’s position on the report presented by the commission.
“This committee is disappointed with the financial report given, which is completely unacceptable,” he said.
Among the specific issues raised was a ₦153 million expenditure reportedly used for the rental of a single office in Abuja.
Lawmakers also questioned another ₦2.5 billion listed in the records as “unexplained” or “implied expenditure,” insisting that proper documentation must be provided to justify the spending.
The committee also directed the Managing Director of the commission to return with full supporting documents, including receipts, contracts, and detailed breakdowns of how the funds were utilised.
Kalu further warned that the Senate would not accept incomplete or vague financial records.
He added:
“By the 23rd, we want to have the complete documentation. Once we receive and review the documents, we will determine the date for your next appearance before the committee.”
The Senate said the review is part of its constitutional oversight function over federal agencies, especially development commissions tasked with driving infrastructure and economic growth in their regions.
The SEDC has been given one week to comply with the directive or face further legislative scrutiny as the probe continues.