By Uchechukwu Okoroafor, Abuja
As Nigeria takes a bold step towards regional development with the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), the expectations are high.
Grow your business with us
The commission, championed by Honourable Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is tasked with the development of the South East region of Nigeria.
While this marks a historic moment for the region, there are important lessons to be learned from the experiences of similar commissions like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). To fulfill its mandate effectively, the incoming management of the SEDC must remain vigilant, avoiding the missteps of the past and staying true to the core mission of fostering sustainable development in the South East.
The South East Development Commission was established in response to decades of marginalization, infrastructural decay, and economic neglect in the South East region. Historically, the South East has played a vital role in Nigeria’s economic and political fabric. However, since the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, the region has struggled to recover from the devastation, with limited federal investment in infrastructure, industry, and human capital development. The creation of the SEDC is, therefore, a long-overdue initiative aimed at addressing these gaps.
The commission’s core mandate is to address critical development issues in the South East, including infrastructure development, industrialization, human capital development, and the promotion of peace and security. This involves the rehabilitation of dilapidated roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, the revitalization of industries that have long been dormant, and the creation of job opportunities for the teeming youth population.
Additionally, the SEDC is expected to focus on agriculture, education, healthcare, and ICT development, all of which are essential to the long-term prosperity of the region. To fulfill this mandate, the SEDC must avoid the mistakes that have plagued similar commissions, particularly the NDDC, which was established with similar goals but has, in many ways, fallen short of expectations due to poor management, corruption, and lack of accountability.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), established in 2000 to address the development challenges of the oil-rich Niger Delta, was initially seen as a game-changer for the region. Unfortunately, over the years, the NDDC has become a cautionary tale of how development commissions can derail from their objectives if not properly managed. For the SEDC to succeed, it is imperative that its management learns from the NDDC’s failures.
Dep Speaker Ben KaluOne of the most significant issues that has plagued the NDDC is corruption. Several high-profile investigations have revealed widespread financial mismanagement, with billions of naira unaccounted for. The NDDC became notorious for awarding contracts that were either abandoned or poorly executed. The SEDC must prioritize transparency and accountability in its operations. Every kobo allocated to the commission should be accounted for, and contracts should be awarded based on merit, with stringent monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure timely and quality execution.
In the NDDC’s case, many projects were initiated for political reasons rather than for the genuine benefit of the Niger Delta people. Projects were often concentrated in the constituencies of powerful politicians, leading to uneven development across the region. The SEDC must resist the temptation to become a political tool. Its focus should be on the collective development of the entire South East region, ensuring that all states and communities benefit equitably from its projects and programmes.
Another critical issue with the NDDC was its failure to engage local communities in the planning and execution of development projects. This led to projects that were either unsuited to the needs of the people or outrightly rejected by the communities they were meant to serve. The SEDC must prioritize community engagement and ensure that development projects are tailored to the specific needs of the people. There should be robust mechanisms for stakeholder consultations, ensuring that local leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations are actively involved in the decision-making process.
The NDDC’s short-sighted approach to development has led to the implementation of projects that provide immediate political gains but fail to create lasting impact. The SEDC must take a long-term view of development, focusing on projects that will yield sustainable economic and social benefits for the region. This means investing in infrastructure that will stand the test of time, promoting industrialization that creates jobs, and fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.
The South East Development Commission was established to fill a critical gap in the region’s development. For decades, the South East has grappled with infrastructural decay, unemployment, and underinvestment. The management of the SEDC must always keep this in mind and ensure that the commission does not deviate from its primary objective of fostering sustainable development in the region.
One of the primary reasons for the creation of the SEDC is the dire state of infrastructure in the South East. The commission must prioritize the rehabilitation of key infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transportation networks, which are essential for the movement of goods and people. Without adequate infrastructure, the economic potential of the South East will remain untapped. The commission should also focus on improving power supply and water resources, which are crucial for industrialization and improving the quality of life for residents.
The South East has historically been known for its entrepreneurial spirit. However, the lack of government support and the harsh business environment have stifled the growth of industries in the region. The SEDC must work to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, supporting the establishment of industries that can provide employment for the youth and drive economic growth. This includes supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through access to finance, training, and business development services.
No region can develop without investing in its people. The SEDC must prioritize human capital development by supporting education and skills acquisition programmes. This includes upgrading educational infrastructure, providing scholarships for indigent students, and promoting vocational training programmes that equip the youth with skills that are in demand in today’s economy. In addition, the commission should focus on healthcare development, ensuring that quality healthcare services are accessible to all residents of the South East.
The South East has witnessed rising insecurity in recent years, with incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and secessionist agitations. The SEDC must recognize the importance of peace and security in achieving sustainable development. The commission should collaborate with security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to promote peace and stability in the region.
Without security, no development project can thrive, and investors will be reluctant to invest in the region.
The incoming management of the South East Development Commission must recognize that they have a historic responsibility. The people of the South East have waited for decades for a development initiative that addresses their unique challenges. The SEDC has the potential to transform the region and create lasting impact, but this will only happen if its management operates with integrity, accountability, and a clear focus on its mandate. The SEDC must avoid the pitfalls that have derailed similar commissions in the past, particularly the NDDC. By prioritizing transparency, community engagement, long-term planning, and equitable development, the SEDC can serve as a model for regional development in Nigeria.
The commission must remain focused on its core mandate of developing the South East, ensuring that the people of the region enjoy the benefits of improved infrastructure, industrialization, and human capital development.
As the SEDC takes off, it is not just the South East that is watching, but the entire country. The success or failure of the commission will serve as a benchmark for future development initiatives in Nigeria. The people of the South East deserve nothing less than a commission that truly delivers on its promises and creates a brighter future for generations to come. The incoming management has a golden opportunity to build a legacy of progress, peace, and prosperity in the South East, and they must not squander it.