Throwback Times Nigeria has learnt that the proposed ₦140 billion 2026 budget of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) has sparked widespread criticism across social media, with many Nigerians particularly from the Southeast questioning the Commission’s spending priorities.
According to documents reportedly obtained by AIF Media, a significant portion of the budget is allocated to administrative activities, media campaigns, roadshows, diaspora engagements, and other non-capital expenditures, rather than direct infrastructure projects.
Controversial Allocations mong the budget items drawing public backlash are:
• Procurement of Equipment (CCTV, drones, control rooms, infrastructure) – ₦10.5 billion
• Innovation Hubs – ₦5.5 billion
• Legal & Administrative Setup – ₦2 billion
• Technical Feasibility Studies – ₦1.6 billion
• Master Planning & Urban Design – ₦2 billion
• Business Case Development – ₦500 million
• Fund Setup & Structuring – ₦500 million
• Training & Incubation – ₦1.5 billion
• Program Development (Research & Equipping) – ₦1 billion
• Coach Training – ₦1 billion
• Capacity Building – ₦1.7 billion
• Leadership Certificate Program – ₦350 million
• Fellowship Administration – ₦250 million
• Internships – ₦200 million
• Training & Mentorship – ₦210 million
• Media Campaigns (TV, Digital & Print) – ₦1.3 billion
• PR & Advertising – ₦480 million
• Branding – ₦535 million
• Investment Summit – ₦1.3 billion
• Stakeholder Engagements – ₦1 billion
• Summit Activities – ₦550 million
• Investor Roadshows – ₦1.3 billion
• Diaspora Engagements – ₦780 million
• Financial Advisory – ₦1.5 billion
• Stationeries & IT Consumables – ₦650 million
• Refreshments – ₦320 million
• Advocacy & Outreach – ₦500 million
• Local Travel – ₦1.1 billion
• International Travel – ₦1.5 billion
• Regional Security Operations – ₦3.5 billion
Rising Costs Compared to 2025
Critics also pointed to a sharp increase in certain expenditures compared to 2025.
Stakeholder engagements reportedly rose from ₦460 million in 2025 to ₦1 billion in 2026.
Diaspora engagements increased from ₦121 million in 2025 to ₦780 million in 2026.
Investor roadshows are projected to cost ₦1.3 billion in 2026 alone.
Public Outcry
Many social media users have described the allocations as “excessive,” “ambiguous,” and “misplaced priorities,” arguing that the Southeast region urgently needs visible capital projects such as roads, industrial parks, power infrastructure, and job-creating investments.
Some critics questioned whether the Commission, led by Executive Director Mark Okoye, is focusing more on conferences, branding, and media presence than on tangible development outcomes.
As reactions continue to pour in, stakeholders are calling for greater transparency and clarification regarding the Commission’s development strategy and how the proposed expenditures translate into measurable benefits for the people of the Southeast.
The Commission has yet to issue an official response to the growing criticism at the time of filing this report.
