Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), has reiterated that the newly established regional intervention agency must maintain its operational base within the South-East region and deliver tangible benefits directly to grassroots communities.
​Speaking on Monday, October 12, 2026, during an oversight inspection of the commission’s operational facilities and headquarters complex in Enugu, Kalu addressed lawmakers, agency officials, and journalists. He emphasized that the agency’s primary mission can only be achieved if it remains deeply rooted in the five South-Eastern states; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
​Addressing previous disputes regarding the agency’s central administrative hub, Senator Kalu noted that initial friction over the SEDC attempting to function out of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has been put to rest following significant site setup in Enugu State.
​”The only problem that I said before, and I repeat, is that they cannot operate from Abuja. They must operate from where they are set up. This is where they are located,” Kalu stated during the visit. “Our quarrel before was about being in Abuja and not being in Enugu. So that quarrel is over now. Today, we have seen two offices: one where they are staying and the one they are completing, which the government of Enugu State gave them.”
​The former Abia State Governor acknowledged the early operational steps taken by the leadership of the commission, which was created less than a year ago to address decades of infrastructural deficits, environmental degradation, and regional economic challenges.
​While expressing satisfaction with the structural development of the Enugu headquarters, Kalu stressed that administrative offices alone are insufficient to meet the expectations of the South-East electorate. He urged the commission’s management team to translate institutional setup into developmental projects across rural and urban communities.
​”We also want them to go to the grassroots to show the South-Eastern people that they are on the ground,” Kalu insisted, noting that local residents must feel the impact of the commission in their daily lives.
​Also commenting during the engagement, regional leaders and stakeholders noted that key critical areas, including regional rail networks, gas pipeline integration, and direct local employment must form the cornerstone of the commission’s long-term agenda.
​The Senate Committee on the SEDC confirmed that its oversight duties will be continuous to prevent administrative derailment. Kalu announced that the parliamentary committee will return to Enugu in December 2026 for a follow-up assessment of the completed headquarters buildout and the progress of ongoing regional programs.
