The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission, Mark Okoye, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to driving economic growth and infrastructure development in the South East region.
In his inaugural address, Okoye expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and praised the 10th National Assembly for passing the South East Development Commission Bill. He also commended the Senate Committee on Regional Commissions for their role in screening and confirming the board.
Following its official inauguration last week, the commission is set to commence its mandate of rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged during the Nigerian Civil War and tackling broader developmental challenges in the region.
In a statement released by the media unit of the SEDC, Okoye highlighted the urgent need for development, citing World Bank estimates that Nigeria requires an annual investment of $100–$150 billion to close its infrastructure gap, with at least $10 billion needed to transform the South East alone.
He noted that the region “faces significant challenges, including over 2,500 active erosion sites, high unemployment rates, and a difficult investment climate, but we are determined to drive infrastructural development in the region.”
Despite these challenges, the SEDC boss outlined an ambitious goal to grow the South East economy to $200 billion by 2035, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision of a one trillion-dollar national Gross Domestic Product.
He assured that the commission would collaborate with state governments, the private sector, and development partners to drive inclusive growth.
The statement quoted Okoye as saying, “As part of its immediate strategy, the commission will engage with state governments to align initiatives with regional priorities and the Renewed Hope Agenda; the private sector to secure investments and create job opportunities.
“We will partner with academia and research institutions to ensure evidence-based policymaking and workforce development; traditional and religious leaders to strengthen grassroots engagement and social cohesion; and civil society organisations to promote accountability and inclusivity.”
Building on past regional economic blueprints, including the plans of Dr. Michael Okpara, Okoye said the commission would focus on “security and investment climate, technology and innovation, as well as agriculture and industrialisation, among others.”
He further assured Nigerians, particularly those of South East extraction, that the SEDC would prioritise action over rhetoric, ensuring that every project aligns with a clear roadmap and measurable impact.
“In the coming months, SEDC will launch several initiatives, with a forthcoming interactive website to enable public engagement.
“We have a unique opportunity to transform the South East into an economic powerhouse. Together, let us usher in a new era of regional development and economic transformation,” he charged relevant stakeholders.
