Tinubu Approves N150 Billion South-East Investment Company to Boost Regional Growth
Tinubu okays South-East Investment Company to unlock regional growth and industrial capital flow.
With N150bn target, initiative will blend public policy with private-sector driven transformation efforts.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of the South-East Investment Company (SEIC), a federally backed initiative with a projected capital base of N150 billion aimed at accelerating industrial development and unlocking private sector opportunities in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The announcement was made on Friday through an official statement by the Presidency. According to the release, the SEIC will operate as a subsidiary of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and will catalyze long-term economic transformation in the region.
Initially designed to function as a government-owned entity, the SEIC will eventually evolve into a public-private partnership. It is expected to attract funding and participation from state governments in the region, private sector entities, development finance institutions, and Nigerians in the diaspora.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has granted executive approval for the establishment of the South-East Investment Company (SEIC), a dedicated investment vehicle under the South East Development Commission (SEDC) designed to mobilize private capital, unlock regional competitiveness, and fast-track industrialization in the South-East,” the Presidency stated.
With a targeted capital base of over N150 billion, the SEIC will raise funds through a mix of hybrid bonds, equity investments, and callable capital. Fundraising and pilot projects are expected to begin by the fourth quarter of 2025.
At a brief ceremony held at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu formally presented the Certificate of Incorporation to the Commission. Attendees at the event included the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, the Managing Director of the SEDC, Mr. Mark Okoye, and members of the Commission’s leadership.
Speaking at the event, Okoye described the SEIC as a landmark move in the South-East’s economic strategy. “The SEIC represents a bold step forward in regional development. It is more than a financial vehicle. It is a long-term strategy to unlock private capital, de-risk investment, and deliver sustainable economic growth for the South-East,” he said. “We are building an institution that will stand the test of time and serve as a bridge between government priorities and private sector efficiency.”
The SEIC mission aligns with the historical legacy of the defunct Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC), which played a pivotal role in driving industrial growth in the former Eastern Region under the leadership of Dr. Michael Okpara. The new initiative aims to revive that spirit of self-sustaining development while aligning with current national economic goals.
The Presidency emphasized that the SEIC will undergo all necessary regulatory approvals to ensure compliance with global best practices and transparency.
If successful, the SEIC could serve as a model for regional investment companies in other parts of the country, reflecting a broader shift in Tinubu’s administration towards regional development, public-private collaboration, and a consumer credit-driven economy.
