By Mercy Aikoye
Mark Okoye II, the newly inaugurated Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to driving economic growth and infrastructure development in the South East region.¹ In his inaugural address, Okoye expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him and his colleagues with the leadership of the Commission.
The Commission is now set to execute its core mandate, rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged during the Nigerian Civil War and addressing broader developmental challenges in the region. 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 for the South East alone.
The region faces significant challenges, including over 2,500 active erosion sites, high unemployment rates, and a difficult investment climate. However, Okoye emphasized the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the people, outlining an ambitious goal to grow the South East economy to $200 billion by 2035, in line with President Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion national GDP.
To achieve this goal, the SEDC will collaborate with state governments, the private sector, and development partners to drive growth. The Commission’s immediate strategy includes engaging with various stakeholders, such as state governments, the private sector, academia, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations.
The Commission will focus on key sectors, including Security & Investment Climate, Infrastructure Development, Agriculture & Industrialization, Technology & Innovation, and Human Capital Development. Okoye assured that the Commission would prioritize action over rhetoric, with every project aligned to a clear roadmap and measurable impact.
In the coming months, SEDC will launch several initiatives, including a forthcoming interactive website to enable public engagement. Okoye called for a shift in focus from celebrations to productivity, urging well-wishers to channel their support into ideas, prayers, and collaboration.
The SEDC’s leadership is committed to delivering tangible results, with Okoye stating, “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.”
With its leadership in place, the SEDC is set to drive meaningful progress in infrastructure, economic expansion, and sustainable development in the South East region.
