Reps panel: SEDC expected to construct roads, railways in south-east

Chris Nkwonta, the chairman of the house of representatives committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC), says the commission is expected to construct roads and railways in the geopolitical zone.

Nkwonta spoke to journalists on Monday after the commission’s management appeared before the panel to defend its 2025 budget.

Nkwonta said the commission presented N250 billion as its budget for the fiscal year, targeting infrastructural deficit in the south-east.

“This budget essentially is going to target those areas where there were deficits in terms of infrastructure, erosion, and other areas of human capital development,” he said.

“You are aware that since after the civil war, the south-east has not been what it ought to be.

“Remember that at the end of the civil war, there was this promise that was made to us.

“You know the three Rs (reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation). Till today, that has not been done until this president signed the bill into law. We are talking about 54 years after the civil war.

“This budget is essentially going to target those areas where there is a deficit in infrastructure, erosion, and other areas of human capital development.

“The commission will be expected to build roads, bridges, railways, and manpower development.

“Although the money will not be enough, this is just a take-off grant.

“This is just the beginning because the SEDC is just a growing concern, and the president has given them this take-off grant.

“The commission also expects money to come in from federal allocation.

“I am told that money is also expected to come from the five south-eastern states, from ecological funds coming into the country, and from oil companies operating in the south-east.

“Even though this is not enough, we need to start from somewhere.

“But we are grateful to the president that after six military heads of state and five democratically elected presidents, attention has been given to the south-east.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Even those boys that are causing trouble, when they see that the region is now being taken care of what they are doing now will not continue.”

Nkwonta said the budget would also address insecurity, unemployment, and youth development.

He added that with development in the south-east, those perpetrating violence through agitation will desist.