Since early August 2024, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has graciously assented to the South East Development Commission (SEDC) law passed by the National Assembly. However, no further information has been released regarding this crucial initiative.
The vision of the SEDC is to foster sustainable economic and socio-political development in the South East region. There seems to be no justifiable reason for delaying its operationalization, especially given the region’s long-standing grievances of marginalisation since the civil war. The agitation for self-determination has persisted for decades, making the establishment of the SEDC an urgent necessity to address these concerns.
Political observers view the creation of the South East Development Commission as a well-conceived plan that can alleviate the hardships faced by the people and stabilise the region politically, economically, and socially. The benefits of establishing the commission are manifold, including the harnessing of the region’s abundant human and material resources, often referred to as the “Israel of Nigeria” and an industrial hub of the nation.
It is imperative that any obstacles to the establishment of the SEDC be swiftly addressed. The passage of the bill generated significant goodwill among the people of the region; its realisation would likely amplify this positive sentiment.
We urge the appointment of a competent board composed of experienced technocrats to lead the commission’s efforts. Additionally, essential infrastructure, such as office spaces, must be established to ensure effective operation. This initiative is expected to create numerous job opportunities for the region’s unemployed population and beyond. Furthermore, the chronic poor state of roads in the South East can be improved through the commission’s efforts.
We commend President Tinubu’s administration for prioritising the establishment of the South East Development Commission, a commendable initiative that should not be allowed to falter. The recent dissolution of the Niger Delta Ministry in favour of a new body to oversee all regional development commissions is also a step in the right direction. We encourage all Nigerians to support this initiative to ensure its success.
Most importantly, the proposed South East Development Commission should be operationalized as a matter of urgency. We are confident that, once established, the SEDC will fulfil its vision and objectives. Anything less would be a disservice to the people, the region, and the entire country. Posterity will judge us if we fail to act, for anything worth doing is worth doing well and promptly.