In a major move aimed at accelerating economic development in Nigeria’s South-East region, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the South-East Investment Company (SEIC). The strategic initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to stimulate regional industrialisation, attract private capital, and enhance inclusive growth across the nation.
The South-East Investment Company will serve as a specialised vehicle to mobilise and manage investments within the five states of the South-East — Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. By aligning public policy with private sector participation, the SEIC is expected to unlock the region’s vast economic potential, create jobs, and promote infrastructure development.
According to a statement released by the Presidency, the approval aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises balanced national development, regional competitiveness, and economic diversification. The SEIC is modelled after successful regional development corporations and will focus on catalysing investment in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, ICT, real estate, and transportation.
The company will operate with professional independence, governed by a Board comprising representatives from the Federal Government, South-East states, private investors, and financial institutions. Initial capitalisation will come from a mix of public contributions, private equity, and development finance, with the expectation that the entity becomes self-sustaining over time.
President Tinubu noted that the SEIC is not just a regional effort but a national priority. “We are committed to creating an economic framework where all regions can thrive through self-driven industrialisation and innovation. The South-East has a rich history of enterprise and commerce, and this company will serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth and prosperity.”
Reactions from South-East stakeholders have been largely positive. Business leaders, traditional rulers, and state governors in the region welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “long-awaited vehicle” for coordinated development and economic transformation.
Economic analysts also view the move as timely, noting that strategic regional investment companies, when properly structured, can attract much-needed capital inflow, reduce dependence on federal allocations, and drive regional competitiveness in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The South-East Investment Company is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2025, with early-stage engagements already underway with development partners, financial advisors, and technical consultants.