By Prince Chris Azor
The Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) is a federal initiative established to address the socio-economic challenges of Nigeria’s Southeast Region, comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo State.
The Commission aims to facilitate rapid and sustainable development, transforming the area into an economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative, and politically peaceful Region.
In July 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Southeast Development Commission Bill into law, marking a significant step towards addressing the developmental needs of the Southeast.
With the Subsequent inauguration of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Okoye, SEDC has initiated collaborations with sundry stakeholders both locally and internationally, to bolster its development agenda.
To ensure impactful outcomes, stakeholders have emphasized the importance of the SEDC concentrating on specific projects that cut across the entire Region.
The success of the SEDC therefore, heavily relies on the active participation and support of various stakeholders, including government entities, Civil Society, private sector, Businesses, Entrepreneurs, local Communities, international partners etc.
Collaborative efforts are essential to address the Region’s challenges effectively and promote good governance and sustainable development.
Multi-stakeholders Engagement and Participation, through inclusive dialogue platforms for citizens, private sector actors, traditional leaders, Civil Society Organizations, vulnerable groups and Media to share insights and align on development priorities.
Organize regular town hall meetings and stakeholder consultations to ensure citizens’ voices are heard in shaping development priorities.
Feedback Mechanisms to create digital and offline channels where stakeholders can provide continuous feedback on projects and policies, fostering a sense of ownership and co-responsibility.
Form citizen and stakeholder advisory Boards/Committees to provide strategic input and monitor development progress.
Public-Private-Citizen Partnerships (PPCP)
Joint Investment Models to promote co-financing models where the government, businesses, and Communities jointly invest in critical infrastructure (e.g., roads, energy, and digital access and sundry infrastructure).
Establish regional development funds/resources where citizens and businesses can contribute, with incentives like tax breaks or public recognition to support the Commission’s interventions.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Collaboration to partner with Corporations to deliver social services and infrastructure, while ensuring citizens’ needs align with corporate goals.
Skill Development Programmes to train citizens in areas like agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship to contribute to and benefit from development initiatives.
Youth Innovation Hub to support innovation centres where young people can collaborate on solving regional development challenges.
Stakeholder Training to offer skill acquisition programmes for local leaders and organizations to improve their capacity to engage with and support SEDC projects.
Community-Led Development Initiatives through Community Ownership Models to encourage local ownership of key infrastructure by empowering Communities to manage and maintain public assets.
Cooperative Enterprises to promote cooperatives in agriculture, commerce, and services to boost local economies and foster self-reliance.
Volunteer and Civic Action Programmes to mobilize volunteers for public works, education, and environmental sustainability projects.
Transparency, Accountability, and Trust-Building, through Open Governance Systems. Publish real-time project information, funding sources, and development outcomes through an open data platform.
Onboard Citizen Monitoring Groups to establish independent stakeholder committees to track and report on the progress of SEDC initiatives.
Implement public audits and community scorecards to assess project performance and ensure alignment with public expectations.
Establish Diaspora Investment Platforms to facilitate mechanisms for Southeastern Nigerians abroad to invest in infrastructure, education, and innovation.
Partner with local and international organizations to bring technical expertise, funding, and best practices.
The former becomes more imperative drawing from the current “Trumpism” International development partnership “fatigue”
Knowledge Exchange Programmes to create opportunities for experts from the diaspora to mentor local entrepreneurs and professionals.
Incentivizing Participation through
recognition and Awards. Honour outstanding contributors—individuals, businesses, philanthropists and communities—through annual development awards.
Tax and Policy Incentives to offer tax breaks, policy support, or public procurement advantages for businesses and citizens supporting SEDC projects.
Profit-Sharing Models to implement systems where communities share in the financial returns of major development projects (e.g., toll roads, energy infrastructure, investments etc).
Sustainable and Green Development.
Engage citizens in environmental conservation projects like reforestation, recycling and waste management.
Renewable Energy Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and Communities to expand access to renewable energy sources.
Smart Agriculture Initiatives: Support smallholder farmers with modern technologies, agric value chain and sustainable practices for improved yields and food security.
Leveraging Technology for Development
Digital Infrastructure Programmes to expand digital access and literacy to empower communities to engage with and benefit from development.
Use digital platforms to crowdsource innovative ideas from citizens on pressing regional challenges.
E-Governance Portals: Implement digital platforms for transparent reporting, citizen engagement, and service delivery tracking and reporting.
The establishment of the Southeast Development Commission represents a pivotal opportunity to revitalize the Southeast region. With focused leadership, strategic innovative partnerships, robust stakeholder support, good governance practices, the SEDC is poised to drive significant socio-economic transformation, fostering a more prosperous and sustainable development of the Southeast.
Prince Chris Azor is the Chairman, Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), and Citizens’ Co-Chair, Open Government Partnership (OGP) Anambra State
