By Marcus Nkire
In a move widely regarded as a historic milestone for the southeastern region of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the South East Development Commission (SEDC), a new intervention agency aimed at addressing the economic and infrastructural challenges of the region. The commission, modeled after the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is expected to oversee and facilitate regional projects, including road construction, industrialization, employment generation, and environmental sustainability.
For years, southeastern leaders and advocacy groups have demanded the creation of a commission that mirrors the NDDC, arguing that despite the region’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, it has received little in terms of federal developmental projects. The SEDC, therefore, represents a response to long-standing calls for equity in national development. However, the success of the commission will depend largely on how well it learns from the pitfalls of similar commissions, especially the NDDC, which has faced numerous allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency.
Legal Framework: The Nigerian Constitution and the Role of Development Commissions
The establishment of the SEDC is rooted in Nigeria’s constitutional responsibility to ensure the well-being of its citizens. Although the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria does not explicitly mandate the creation of regional development commissions, Section 14 (2)(b) states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” This constitutional provision serves as the foundation for various interventionist agencies designed to address specific regional concerns.
The NDDC was created through an Act of Parliament in 2000, and the SEDC has followed a similar process. The bill establishing the commission was passed by the National Assembly and later signed into law by President Tinubu. The legal framework of the SEDC grants it the authority to access federal funding, partner with international development agencies, and execute projects that align with its mandate of economic and infrastructural transformation.
Like the NDDC, the SEDC will derive its funding from federal allocations, contributions from the southeastern states, and potential support from international development partners. However, the effectiveness of the commission will largely depend on how well it manages these resources and whether it can implement a transparent and accountable governance structure.
Lessons from the Niger Delta Development Commission
The Niger Delta Development Commission was established to address the pressing developmental challenges of the oil-producing Niger Delta region. Over the years, the NDDC has been instrumental in the construction of roads, provision of scholarships for students, and the implementation of economic empowerment programs. However, despite its mandate and financial backing, the commission has been heavily criticized for inefficiency, abandoned projects, and alleged corruption scandals that have undermined its credibility.
One of the major criticisms of the NDDC is the issue of corruption and mismanagement of funds. Several investigative reports have shown that despite receiving substantial financial allocations, many of its projects either remain unfinished or are poorly executed. Additionally, political interference has been a persistent issue, with frequent leadership changes often disrupting the commission’s ability to implement long-term development strategies. The NDDC’s struggles with delayed project execution and inflated contracts have further raised concerns about whether development commissions can truly fulfill their mandates without strong anti-corruption mechanisms in place.
For the SEDC to succeed, it must avoid these pitfalls. This means prioritizing transparency, accountability, and effective project execution. The commission must implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track project progress and ensure that funds are utilized efficiently. Additionally, insulating the commission from political interference will be crucial to its success. If these measures are put in place, the SEDC could serve as a model of effective regional development in Nigeria.
While the NDDC provides a cautionary tale, there are also several success stories from other parts of Africa that the SEDC can learn from. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa have implemented development programs that have significantly transformed their economies and infrastructure.
Kenya’s Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat, established in 2008, has played a crucial role in the country’s long-term economic development. By focusing on infrastructure expansion, industrialization, and technological innovation, Kenya has seen significant improvements in transportation networks and the growth of its technology sector, popularly referred to as the “Silicon Savannah”. The establishment of industrial parks, improved highways, and digital transformation initiatives has made Kenya one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) has been another success story. Since its establishment in 2010, the agency has helped boost food production, improve agribusiness, and introduce technology-driven agricultural solutions. By investing in modern farming techniques and supporting local farmers, Ethiopia has significantly increased its agricultural exports and food security, providing a model for regional economic transformation.
South Africa’s Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has also demonstrated how regional development agencies can function effectively. The DBSA has been instrumental in funding large-scale infrastructure projects, including electricity expansion, water supply initiatives, and industrial development. Its ability to successfully implement projects without excessive political interference has made it a leading development finance institution in Africa.
These examples provide important insights for the SEDC. To ensure success, the commission must adopt a clear long-term vision, encourage private-sector collaboration, and focus on sustainable development projects. By learning from these successful models, the SEDC can position itself as a transformative force in Nigeria’s southeastern region.
If properly managed, the SEDC has the potential to be a game-changer for the southeastern region. One of the commission’s main priorities will be infrastructure development, particularly the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and power supply systems. The deplorable state of road networks in the region has long been a major hindrance to economic growth, affecting trade and transportation. A well-executed infrastructure plan could significantly boost commerce and connectivity.
Another key area where the SEDC can make a difference is industrialization and job creation. The southeast is known for its strong entrepreneurial spirit, with cities like Aba, Nnewi, and Onitsha serving as major hubs for manufacturing and trade. By supporting local industries, providing financial incentives for businesses, and establishing industrial parks, the SEDC can stimulate economic growth and create thousands of jobs.
In addition to economic development, the commission will also play a crucial role in environmental sustainability. The southeastern region faces significant environmental challenges, particularly gully erosion, which has destroyed farmlands, roads, and homes in states like Anambra and Imo. Implementing erosion control projects and promoting climate-smart agriculture will be key to addressing these challenges.
Security concerns in the southeast, exacerbated by unemployment and economic hardship, also make the role of the SEDC critical in peacebuilding efforts. By providing economic opportunities for youth, supporting skill acquisition programs, and engaging local communities, the commission can help reduce social unrest and foster regional stability.
The inauguration of the South East Development Commission marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s regional development efforts. If properly managed, the commission could transform the southeastern region, much like Kenya’s Vision 2030, Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Agency, and South Africa’s DBSA. However, its success will depend on strong governance, transparency, and a commitment to real development.
While expectations are high, there is also skepticism given the failures of the NDDC. Nigerians, particularly southeastern citizens, will be watching closely to see whether the SEDC will deliver meaningful progress or become another bureaucratic entity plagued by inefficiency. The journey to regional transformation has begun, and the future of the South East depends on how well this commission fulfills its mandate.