The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday approved the ₦140 billion 2026 budget proposal of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), while cautioning the agency to ensure fiscal discipline, deliver measurable security improvements and address worsening ecological challenges across the region.

Presenting the proposal before lawmakers, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Mark Okoye, described the budget as a development-driven framework focused on infrastructure renewal, industrialisation, private sector-led growth and regional integration.

A breakdown of the proposal shows that ₦106.745 billion, representing 76.25 per cent, is allocated to capital expenditure; ₦25.955 billion (18.54 per cent) to recurrent expenditure excluding personnel; and ₦7.3 billion (5.21 per cent) to personnel costs.

Okoye told the Senate that the 2026 budget is structured around five pillars — infrastructure development, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, social development, and security/peacebuilding.

He also unveiled a long-term vision to grow the South East economy to $200 billion by 2035. Central to the plan is the proposed South East Investment Corporation (SEIC), projected to build a $150 billion capital base and position the region as a prime investment destination in Africa.

According to him, the Commission aims to reach a $1 billion regional investment threshold and structure major infrastructure projects in a way that attracts international financing, rather than relying solely on federal allocations.

Although no capital releases were made in the 2025 fiscal year, Okoye explained that the Commission utilised the period to prepare feasibility studies and bankable project documents, including a proposed regional gas pipeline network estimated to cost between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.

Key allocations in the 2026 proposal include ₦3.3 billion for the Community Social Development Programme, ₦3.5 billion for the South East Venture Capital Fund, ₦2.5 billion for the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, ₦7 billion for grassroots recreation infrastructure, ₦2.9 billion for headquarters and zonal offices, ₦4.1 billion for operational vehicles, ₦500 million for climate sustainability and green economy initiatives, ₦2.5 billion for a regional security programme, and ₦660 million for the M.I. Okpara Fellowship.

While commending the clarity of the proposal, several senators raised concerns over priorities and expected outcomes.

Senator Tony Nwoye stressed that development would remain elusive without improved security, demanding clear performance indicators for the ₦2.5 billion regional security allocation and details of collaboration with existing security agencies. He also warned against politicisation of the ₦3.5 billion Venture Capital Fund, insisting it must operate strictly on merit to support genuine entrepreneurs in commercial hubs such as Onitsha, Aba and Nnewi.

Lawmakers also criticised the ₦500 million allocation for environmental sustainability, describing it as inadequate for a region grappling with thousands of erosion sites.

Senator Kenneth Eze urged the Commission to manage public funds with the discipline of a private enterprise and cautioned against spreading limited resources too thinly, which could lead to abandoned projects. Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi sought assurances that staff salaries are paid promptly and called for transparency in recruitment.

In their contributions, Senators Victor Umeh, Emmanuel Nwachukwu, Anthony Ani and Osita Ngwu expressed support for the proposal but emphasised the need for effective implementation and inter-state coordination, particularly in rail connectivity, gas infrastructure and industrial park development.

Chairman of the Senate Committee and former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, commended the management for presenting what he described as a bankable document capable of attracting global financing institutions. He stressed that the Commission must function strictly as a development institution and not a political platform.

Kalu assured that the Committee would exercise rigorous oversight to ensure compliance and accountability, warning that the Commission must not become a conduit for mismanagement of public funds.

With legislative backing secured, the ₦140 billion 2026 budget now moves into implementation phase under close parliamentary scrutiny, amid heightened expectations for tangible development results across the South East.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, following the submission of his letter citing pressing family considerations.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement. The Special Adviser to the President stated that President Tinubu received Mr Egbetokun’s resignation earlier today and expressed his profound appreciation for Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. The President acknowledged his dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.

Appointed in June 2023, Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.

In view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.

The President is confident that AIG Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period, Mr Onanuga said.

In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation, Onanuga added.

The President reiterates his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Egbetokun tendered his resignation, citing pressing family considerations. The President expressed appreciation for his decades of service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, commending his professionalism and efforts to strengthen internal security.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and released Tuesday in Abuja.

Egbetokun was appointed in June 2023 for a four-year term scheduled to end in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.

In the meantime, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.

The President says he is confident that Disu’s experience and leadership will provide steady direction for the Force amid current security challenges.

In line with the Police Act 2020, the President will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police. His name will thereafter be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security and ensuring a professional and accountable police force.

Abridged Curriculum Vitae – AIG Tunji Disu

Name: Tunji Disu

Profession: Senior Police Officer

Current Rank: Assistant Inspector-General of Police

Professional Profile

Highly decorated and accomplished police officer with extensive operational, investigative, and leadership experience across Nigeria. Recognised regionally and continentally for excellence in crime control and public safety management.

Key Career Highlights

One of the longest-serving and most effective Divisional Police Officers in Ondo State.

Named Most Outstanding Police Operational Officer in West Africa (2016).

Named Most Outstanding Police Operational Officer in Africa (2016).

Squad awarded Best Anti-Crime Police Squad in West Africa (2016).

CRAN Man of the Year (2018).

Recognised as Most Outstanding Anti-Crime Police Chief in West and Central Africa.

Awarded Best Commissioner of Police of the Year (2024).

International Experience

Led the first Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in 2005 to support peace operations in Darfur, Sudan.

Professional Memberships

Member, International Academy of Forensics

Member, National Association of Investigative Specialists (USA)

Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations

Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria

Member, International Association of Chiefs of Police

Special Skills & Other Achievements

Certificate in Personal Protection

Third Dan Black Belt in Judo

National Chairman, Nigeria Police Judo Association

Silver Medalist, 2022 U.S. Open Judo Championships

Personal

Married with children.