The House Committee on South East Development Commission has approved the commission’s 2026 budget proposal, expressing confidence in its development plans for the region.

Managing Director of the commission, Mark Okoye, told lawmakers at the National Assembly that the SEDC is targeting the expansion of the South-East economy from about $40 billion to $200 billion in the next 10 years through investments in industrialization, agriculture, technology and the creative economy.

Okoye said the commission also plans to develop critical infrastructure, promote mechanized farming, through agro-industrial hubs, establish special economic zones and support young entrepreneurs to position the region as a major investment destination.

He added that the commission is also pursuing a regional security intervention programme to strengthen coordination among the five South-East states and create a stable environment for investment.

Chairman of the House Committee, Chris Nkwonta, commended the management of the commission for its vision, urging it to sustain programmes that will accelerate development across the South-East region.