ABUJA – The Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has subjected the commission’s management to intense scrutiny over the expenditure of about ₦3.6 billion from its ₦16.6 billion budgetary allocation, demanding full financial records and supporting documents to account for the spending.

The committee, during an oversight session held on Tuesday in Abuja, expressed concern over several expenditure items contained in the commission’s financial reports and insisted that the management provide comprehensive documentation to justify the disbursement of public funds.

Lawmakers stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to financial regulations in the management of resources allocated to the commission, which was established to drive development and address infrastructure deficits across the South-East region.

The committee members reportedly questioned officials of the commission on various spending categories and requested detailed records, including payment vouchers, contract documents, procurement processes, and other relevant financial statements for verification.

Chairman of the committee noted that the Senate has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that public funds are judiciously utilized and that government agencies remain accountable to Nigerians.

According to the lawmakers, the requested documents would enable the committee to properly assess the commission’s financial activities and determine whether the expenditures were in line with approved budgetary provisions.

The Senate panel emphasized that its oversight exercise was not intended to witch-hunt any agency but to promote prudent management of public resources and strengthen public confidence in government institutions.

The committee subsequently directed the SEDC management to furnish it with all relevant financial records and explanations on the questioned expenditures, assuring that further legislative action would be guided by the outcome of its review of the submitted documents.

The development underscores the National Assembly’s renewed commitment to tightening oversight of federal agencies and ensuring greater accountability in the utilization of public funds earmarked for regional development initiatives.