In a significant development for infrastructure and project funding in Nigeria's South-East region, governors from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo have pledged to add N25 billion to the South East Development Commission's (SEDC) budget for the 2026 fiscal year. Each state will contribute N5 billion as part of this initiative. This decision was announced by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the SEDC, during a discussion on the upcoming budget report submitted to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

The SEDC's proposed budget for 2026 stands at N140 billion, and with the injection of the additional N25 billion from the governors, the total funding available for the commission will rise to N165 billion. This enhancement will provide the commission with a greater ability to implement various development projects in the region. Senate Committee Chairman Senator Kalu highlighted the importance of this funding in the context of previous years, where the commission faced budgetary constraints and inadequate financing to carry out its mandate effectively.

The collaboration among the governors underscores their commitment to addressing development challenges in the South-East, which has historically struggled with various economic and infrastructural issues. The decision to augment the SEDC's budget not only reflects a proactive approach to governance but also aims to stimulate economic growth and improve the living conditions of residents in the region. Key stakeholders were consulted in this decision-making process, indicating a collective effort to prioritize regional development.