The House of Representatives is optimistic that the newly approved 2025 Budget for the South East Development Commission (SEDC) will finally jumpstart development in a region largely neglected for more than 54 years since the civil war. In a recent press briefing following the Commission’s budget defense, Mr. Chris Nkwonta, Chairman of the House Committee on SEDC, emphasized that the N250 billion allocation could be transformative if implemented effectively.

Mr. Nkwonta commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the SEDC bill into law, noting that this decisive action signals a renewed government commitment to address the chronic infrastructural deficits and developmental challenges in the South East geopolitical zone. The budget, he explained, is targeted not only at constructing essential roads, bridges, and railways but also at enhancing human capital through robust manpower development initiatives.

“This budget is designed to fill the infrastructure gaps in our region and deliver on the promises made at the end of the civil war,” Mr. Nkwonta stated. He further asserted that the planned projects will help ease long-standing grievances and reduce youthful unrest by bringing tangible improvements to local communities.

As the SEDC gears up for implementation, stakeholders and residents alike are hopeful that this significant budgetary boost will mark the beginning of a new era for the South East—one that transforms its neglected landscape into a thriving hub of economic and infrastructural growth.