The governors of the five South-East states have pledged to contribute N5 billion each towards the proposed N140 billion 2026 budget of the South-East Development Commission, bringing the total additional support to N25 billion. The states involved are Abia State, Anambra State, Ebonyi State, Enugu State, and Imo State.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, Orji Uzor Kalu, while presenting the commission’s 2026 budget report before the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He explained that the governors reached the decision after wide consultations with state leaders and other stakeholders in the region.
According to Kalu, the commission faced serious funding challenges in the 2025 fiscal year, which affected project execution and led to the suspension of several planned initiatives. He stated that the additional N25 billion contribution is aimed at reviving stalled projects and strengthening the commission’s capacity to deliver development-focused programmes in 2026. He described the support as a practical step to restore development momentum across the region.
The South-East Development Commission was established to promote infrastructure development, economic growth, and regional integration across the five states. Its mandate covers key sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and industrial development. With the proposed N140 billion budget for 2026, the commission plans to implement large-scale projects designed to improve productivity and stimulate economic activities within the region.
The governors’ commitment has been described as a strong example of regional cooperation. Representatives of the Senate Committee on Appropriations commended the initiative and expressed optimism that other regions may adopt a similar model of counterpart funding for their respective development commissions. Lawmakers noted that coordinated funding support can improve project delivery and reduce delays caused by limited releases.
The 2026 budget proposal is part of a broader long-term development plan for the South-East, aimed at expanding infrastructure, supporting industrial growth, and improving social services. The additional funding is expected to accelerate implementation of priority projects and enhance the commission’s operational effectiveness in the coming fiscal year.
BankiBusiness will continue to monitor developments around the budget approval process and provide verified updates as they emerge from the National Assembly.
