The Senate has raised concerns over the financial operations of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), questioning alleged expenditures including N153 million reportedly spent on renting a single-room liaison office in Abuja.

The matter was raised during an investigative hearing of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, as lawmakers examined the commission’s 2025 budget implementation and spending records.

The committee disclosed that the SEDC received N16.6 billion in December 2025, with about N13 billion reportedly remaining in its account, suggesting that roughly N3.6 billion had already been expended.

ALSO READ: Kalu Dubs SEDC As Historic Milestone

Lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the financial report submitted by the commission, insisting that several figures were unclear and required detailed justification.

A key concern was the alleged N153 million spent on office rent in Abuja, despite the commission’s headquarters being located in Enugu.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu described the financial submission as unacceptable and demanded proper accountability.

“This committee is disappointed with the financial report presented. It is completely unacceptable,” Kalu said.

Other members of the committee also questioned additional expenditures reflected in the report, including about N2.5 billion described as unclear or insufficiently explained.

Responding to the concerns, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEDC, Mark Okoye, defended the commission’s spending, insisting that all expenditures were carried out prudently and within available resources.

Okoye explained that the commission operates based on actual cash releases rather than full budgeted allocations, noting that this approach helps prevent financial mismanagement.

“For example, having a budget of N140 billion does not automatically mean that N140 billion in cash is available. It would be irresponsible to award contracts worth the entire budget if only N10 billion or N20 billion has actually been released,” he said.

However, the committee was not satisfied with the explanations and directed the commission to submit full documentation of all expenditures, including contract details, payment records, and supporting documents, on or before June 23.

Senator Kalu added that the committee would review the documents before fixing another date for further appearance.

“By the 23rd, we want to have the complete documentation. Once we receive and review the documents, we will determine the date for your next appearance before the committee,” he stated.

The hearing was thereafter adjourned, with lawmakers insisting on full transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to the commission.

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to move beyond promises and take urgent, decisive action to address the worsening security crisis across the country.

The Council, in a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, expressed concern over the persistent wave of killings, kidnappings, banditry and terrorism, saying Nigerians continue to live in fear despite repeated assurances from authorities that security challenges are being tackled.

According to the Council, the security situation has reached an alarming stage, with recent incidents in Borno, Oyo, Niger and Zamfara states underscoring the vulnerability of communities already struggling with years of violence and criminal activities.

SEE ALSO: ‘Enough Is Enough!’ — NLC, TUC Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Insecurity

The Council also cited the recent abduction of a retired Army General and his wife in Katsina State, describing it as further evidence of the growing reach of kidnappers and armed gangs across the country.

It noted that many attacks occurring in rural and underserved areas often go unreported, suggesting that the true extent of the crisis may be far greater than official figures indicate.

Citing reports from security monitoring and human rights organisations, the Council said thousands of Nigerians have been killed, displaced or abducted in recent months.

It added that reports indicate more than 1,000 people were kidnapped across northern Nigeria during the first quarter of the year.

Expressing frustration over what it described as a lack of meaningful progress, the Council said repeated appeals by traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and concerned citizens for stronger security measures have yet to produce significant results.

“Nigerians are tired of speeches, promises, condolences, committees and official rhetoric that are not matched by concrete action and measurable outcomes. What the nation requires now is decisive intervention and visible results,” the statement read.

The Council reminded the Federal Government that the protection of lives and property remains one of its core constitutional responsibilities, stressing that no administration can be considered successful while citizens continue to face threats from criminal elements.

While acknowledging the sacrifices and commitment of military personnel and other security operatives, the Council said its criticism was directed at broader leadership and strategic shortcomings in the fight against insecurity.

It also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to the security sector, insisting that citizens deserve to know how resources earmarked for defence and intelligence operations are being utilised.

The Council further urged the government to embrace innovative and proactive measures, including improved intelligence gathering, deployment of modern technology, stronger collaboration among security agencies, enhanced community participation and tighter border security.

Warning against complacency, the Council said Nigerians are expecting competent leadership, concrete action and measurable progress in restoring peace and security across the country.

The Federal Government has warned that retaliatory measures against South African interests in Nigeria remain under consideration following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, expressed the government’s frustration on Monday, accusing South African authorities of failing to adequately protect Nigerians from harassment, intimidation, and attacks.

Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja, Ojukwu rejected claims that most Nigerians affected by the violence were undocumented migrants, insisting that many of them are law-abiding residents engaged in legitimate businesses.

“To say that Nigerians who are in South Africa doing legitimate business are illegal migrants is absolutely untrue,” she said.

The minister noted that Nigerians were unhappy with the treatment being meted out to them despite Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.

SEE ALSO: Atiku Knocks FG’s ‘Sluggish’ Handling of South Africa Xenophobic Violence

“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds and resources to aid South Africa. My generation demonstrated and protested in support of South Africa. Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated,” Ojukwu stated.

When asked whether Nigeria could impose restrictions on South Africans living or doing business in the country, the minister said such measures had not been ruled out.

“That is a situation we are considering. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government, but it is not off the table,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has activated a crisis response mechanism through the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria and the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg to assist citizens affected by the attacks.

Ojukwu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed relevant agencies to ensure the safe evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home.

According to her, the number of citizens seeking repatriation continues to rise as the situation worsens in parts of South Africa.

She explained that both Nigerian and South African authorities were carrying out screening and documentation processes to facilitate the return of affected citizens.

The minister also assured that returnees would receive support upon arrival in Nigeria through collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other government agencies.

In a related development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the postponement of the planned evacuation of 270 Nigerians from South Africa, citing unforeseen logistical challenges.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the flight, originally scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Monday, had been rescheduled for Wednesday to allow authorities complete necessary arrangements.

Ebienfa disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians had already been screened and cleared for possible evacuation.

He also clarified that, unlike previous evacuation exercises, the Federal Government would fully fund the operation and would not depend on donations from private individuals.

“The Nigerian government will not wait for philanthropists to donate their planes before doing what it is supposed to do and evacuate its citizens facing trouble anywhere in the world,” he said.

The latest developments came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the growing anti-migrant tensions, condemning attacks on foreign nationals while promising stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

Ramaphosa urged citizens to reject violence and resolve concerns through lawful means.

“We must end illegal migration and secure our communities. However, we must overcome these challenges through peace and love, not through fear, anger or violence,” he said.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and ensuring the safe return of those affected by the ongoing crisis.