SEDC and development of the southeast region

Since the end of the Nigeria – Biafra war of 1967-1970, not much government development is evident in the geopolitical space called the Southeast region of Nigeria. Efforts to mitigate the devastation of the 30-month war in the region, where most of the fighting took place, were not helped by the thoughtful but poorly executed policy of reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Gowon-led Federal Government.

The dead hand of bureaucracy and the corruptive influences of successive governments ensured that no appreciable progress was made. But where it was made at all, which was few and far between, it was soon neglected and allowed to go into disuse. It was not long before the people began to interpret government’s actions as a deliberate attempt to deprive them of the right to equal citizenship with the rest of Nigerians and keep them in servile fearfulness.

Thus, establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) is a welcome break after years of importunity. Among other objectives, the Commission will address the noticeable development imbalance in the South East region, assuage the people’s fear of marginalisation, and ensure peace.

Underscoring the Commission’s roles, the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, said after passing the bill: “I want to say congratulations to you all and pray that this Commission will bring a lot of development and will also assist you in stopping any formal agitation and bringing peace to the region.”

It may be fair to argue that the effort at establishing the South East Development Commission was a tortuous one which predates the 10th National Assembly. Many law makers from the South East region, including Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi had during the 9th Assembly tried to get the SEDC bill passed.

The argument has been that a development commission in the nature of the Niger Delta and North East Commissions which address issues of militancy and terrorism respectively was required in the South East to help her develop and recover from the ruins of the civil war.

But the efforts were not rewarded as former President Muhammadu Buhari failed to assent to the bill. It took its reintroduction in December 2023 by Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Senator Stella Oduah, and a few other law makers from the South East for the bill to be passed and assented to by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. No doubt the Tinubu administration demonstrated deep economic knowledge that contrasts with the tunnel vision of his predecessor who did not see the great promise an established South East Development Commission holds.

For rising to the occasion, and signing the South-East Development Bill into law, the South-East Governors, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other stakeholders have lauded President Tinubu for his great decision. Hon Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi in particular thanked President Tinubu for his thoughtfulness in signing the bill into law and ending decades of yearning for a commission that will oversee development in the South East region. “President Tinubu has shown thoughtfulness and courage in signing the SEDC Bill into law. He has done what those before him were unable to do and I pray the Commission is adequately funded in order to enable it tackle the enormous challenges before it.”

The Commission which is to oversee and handle development projects in the South East region is structured to be managed by a comprehensive board, comprising credible and experienced individuals appointed by the government. Its source of funding may include, but not limited to federal allocation grants, donations and other legitimate avenues.

It is expected to plan, execute and monitor developmental projects as well as collaborate with state and local government within the South East region for ease of growth expansion. The bill establishing the Commission envisaged possible corruption and misuse of funds thereby ensuring that there is provision for transparency and accountability in its operations.

Though the Commission is still in its infancy and can seldom boast of any experience unlike similar commission already in existence namely the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), it is expected to be purpose-driven and diligent if it must accomplish its many objectives. As a matter of fact, infrastructural expansion, economic growth, social and equitable development are some of the core objectives the Commission is to tackle.

Without belabouring the fact, federal infrastructure in the South East like roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions etc. is about the worse, if not the worst, in the country. The many years of neglect have left them in decrepit condition, leaving the people frustrated and the youths easily inflamed to passionate agitation and occasional armed struggle. Economic development of the region was not better handled as few federal government industries in the region are under-performing or completely moribund.

It is intended that the South East Development Commission will stimulate economic activities by addressing obvious historical neglects and disparities and by also improving the quality of life of the people through enhanced social amenities and services. The Commission is to take into consideration the inequitable development across Nigeria by focusing on achieving balance in the region within its period of operation.

The Commission is also empowered to tackle the ecological and other related environmental problems ravaging the entire region. It is to be noted that a good chunk of the South East region which by the way is almost the smallest in the country is under threat of gully erosion. Many people have in the last decade or two been forced out of their ancestral homes as a result of this hazard.  It is obvious that the efforts of the five governors of the region alone in containing the problem cannot avail much without support from the federal government.

But with the South East Development Commission in place, it is easy to focus on comprehensive development plan that will tackle the ecological hazard and handle rural and urban development in the region better. This will help unlock the region’s potentials and impact the overall growth of Nigeria’s economy.

The Commission is more likely to succeed than not if the pioneer managers are diligent enough, and are ready to eschew selfishness and work for economic liberation of the South East. It can leverage the business prowess of the people, their agricultural and entrepreneurial skills to give industrialisation of the region a shot in the arm. But more than that, the Commission will succeed if it is well funded and not abandoned soon after being established.

Once it is well funded and measures put in place to ensure transparency and accountability, South East development is assured and the cry of marginalization will be a thing of the past. It is a new dawn for economic expansion of the South East region.

Anyaduba wrote from Abatete, Anambra State.