22/08/2026
CHIEF EMEKA AGBA FOUNDATION
22 August 2026
The Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
Chairman, Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC)
National Assembly Complex
Abuja, Nigeria
REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION AND FULL DISCLOSURE ON THE ₦2.5 BILLION SEDC PROJECT
Dear Distinguished Senator,
RE: PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY AND PROCUREMENT TRANSPARENCY REGARDING THE ₦2.5 BILLION SEDC PROJECT
The Chief Emeka Agba Foundation respectfully writes to you in your capacity as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC), following the Committee’s investigation into the Commission’s 2025 financial expenditure and the questions raised concerning the reported ₦2.5 billion project allocation.
We commend the Committee for exercising its constitutional oversight responsibility and for demanding explanations and supporting documentation from the SEDC management.
However, given the significant public interest surrounding this matter, we respectfully believe that the people of the South-East deserve a clear update on the findings and present status of the investigation.
Our concern is not to prejudge the SEDC management or accuse any individual of wrongdoing.
Rather, we believe that ₦2.5 billion of public funds deserves complete documentary accountability.
1. WHAT EXACTLY IS THE ₦2.5 BILLION FOR?
We respectfully request clarification on the precise scope of the proposed rehabilitation or development project associated with the ₦2.5 billion.
The public should be able to understand what the project entails and how the estimated cost was established.
We therefore respectfully ask that the relevant Bill of Quantities, professional cost assessment, project scope and procurement documentation be made available to the appropriate oversight authorities and, where permissible, to the public.
2. WHAT IS THE PROCUREMENT STATUS?
A central issue is whether the project was subjected to the procurement procedures required by Nigerian law.
We respectfully request clarification on:
* Whether a contract was awarded;
* The identity of the contractor or contractors;
* The procurement method adopted;
* Whether competitive tendering took place;
* Whether the required BPP approvals were obtained;
* Whether a Certificate of No Objection was issued; and
* Whether any payment has been made.
These are not allegations.
They are basic accountability questions concerning public expenditure.
3. WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE ₦2.5 BILLION?
We respectfully ask the Committee to establish publicly whether the ₦2.5 billion was:
Budgeted;
Committed;
Contractually awarded;
Disbursed;
or remains entirely within government-controlled accounts.
This distinction is extremely important.
If no funds have been disbursed, that fact should be clearly established.
If funds have been disbursed, the public deserves to know the amount, recipient, date and contractual basis for the payment.
4. VALUE FOR MONEY
Distinguished Senator, another question deserves serious consideration: Does the proposed scope of work reasonably justify a ₦2.5 billion expenditure?
We are not suggesting that the Foundation possesses the technical information necessary to determine the final construction value.
That determination should be made by qualified quantity surveyors, engineers and procurement professionals.
We therefore respectfully urge the Committee to obtain an independent professional assessment of the project cost.
If ₦2.5 billion represents fair market value, the evidence should establish that.
If the professional assessment indicates that the project is significantly overpriced, then appropriate corrective action should follow.
5. CONTRACTOR DISCLOSURE
We further respectfully request clarification regarding the identity of the contractor or contractors associated with the project.
A multi-billion-naira government contract should have a clear and traceable procurement record.
The public should be able to establish who received the contract, how the contractor was selected and whether the contractor possesses the technical and financial capacity to execute the project.
Again, we are not suggesting that anonymity, if it occurred, automatically proves wrongdoing.
We are simply asking for transparency.
6. THE SENATE’S FINAL FINDINGS
Distinguished Senator, the Committee’s intervention has already brought significant public attention to the financial management of the SEDC.
We therefore respectfully appeal to you to make clear:
1. What did the Committee ultimately establish regarding the ₦2.5 billion?
2. Was any money actually paid out?
3. Was the required procurement process followed?
4. Was BPP approval obtained?
5. Was any financial loss to government established?
6. Was any administrative or procurement breach established?
7. Has the Auditor-General for the Federation been requested to conduct any further examination?
8. What corrective measures, if any, has the Committee directed the SEDC management to undertake?
OUR POSITION
The Chief Emeka Agba Foundation is not calling for the removal of any official simply because questions have been raised.
We believe that due process must come before judgment.
If the SEDC management has complied with the law, the documents should establish that.
If there was an administrative error, it should be corrected.
If procurement procedures were breached, the appropriate corrective measures should be taken.
And if deliberate misconduct is established by competent authorities, the law should take its course.
Our only demand is transparency and accountability.
THE SOUTH-EAST DESERVES A SUCCESSFUL SEDC
The South-East needs the SEDC to succeed.
Our region needs infrastructure, industrial development, employment, investment, youth empowerment and economic transformation.
We therefore have no interest in weakening an institution created to address these needs.
On the contrary, we want an SEDC that is strong enough to command the confidence of the people, the Federal Government, investors and international development partners.
That confidence can only be built when public resources are managed transparently.
OUR RESPECTFUL APPEAL
We respectfully appeal to you, Distinguished Senator, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on SEDC, to provide the public with an authoritative update on the Committee’s findings regarding the ₦2.5 billion project and the steps being taken to ensure full compliance with procurement and financial accountability requirements.
₦2.5 billion is public money.
Public money requires public accountability.
We believe the best way to resolve the controversy is not through speculation, political accusations or media narratives.
Let the documents speak.
We remain committed to supporting every genuine effort to promote development, transparency and responsible governance in the South-East.
Please accept, Distinguished Senator, the assurances of our highest consideration.
Yours faithfully,
CHIEF EMEKA AGBA
Founder
Chief Emeka Agba Foundation
“For the love of humanity”
