Tinubu made the statement on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the South-East Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Investment Ceremony in Enugu, where he was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

The President said his decision to sign the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) Establishment Bill into law in July 2024 was informed by the belief that Nigeria could not achieve its full economic potential while any region remained below its productive capacity.

He explained that the commission was established to provide sustained support for reconstruction, rehabilitation and long-term development across the five South-East states. He added that its performance should be measured by the investments it attracts, infrastructure it supports, opportunities it creates and improvements it delivers to people’s lives.

Tinubu commended the SEDC leadership, including its chairman, Emeka Wogu, and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Okoye, for advancing the region’s development agenda. He also pointed to the South-East Vision 2050 process as a framework for coordinating development priorities among the Federal Government and state governments in the region.

The President further disclosed that he had approved the South-East Investment Company, which is expected to help mobilise private capital for strategic development projects. He said public resources should be deployed responsibly to attract larger investments that government funding alone may not be sufficient to deliver.

On infrastructure, Tinubu highlighted the importance of improved roads, rail connections, reliable electricity and access to markets. He referenced transport corridors, including the Enugu–Onitsha and Enugu–Port Harcourt routes, as well as supporting infrastructure around the Second Niger Bridge and the Eastern railway corridor.

He said the government’s objective was not merely to award contracts but to deliver infrastructure that lowers business costs, supports trade and creates jobs. He also noted that changes in the electricity sector could open further opportunities for state governments and private investors to improve power supply.

A major focus of the ceremony was the proposed South-East Gas Distribution Pipeline Project, designed to connect gas resources in Imo State with industrial and commercial centres across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.

Tinubu said the project could improve energy access for manufacturers and other businesses, helping industrial centres such as Aba, Nnewi and Onitsha strengthen production while creating new opportunities for investment in Enugu and Ebonyi.

He pointed to the Assa North–Ohaji South gas project in Imo State, which achieved first gas in January 2026, as an opportunity to link domestic gas resources more directly to productive industries.

According to the President, the economic value of natural gas should be measured not only by the resources extracted but also by the factories it powers, jobs it supports and wider benefits it generates for communities.

He urged South-East governors to maintain cooperation, stressing that regional infrastructure would deliver greater benefits if states worked together rather than pursuing development in isolation. He also called on investors and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the region’s industrial potential.

Tinubu said young people in the South-East should be able to find meaningful opportunities through expanding businesses, productive investment and improved infrastructure. He tasked the SEDC and its partners with developing clear implementation plans, measurable targets and timelines to ensure that the initiative produces tangible results.

The gas pipeline project forms part of wider efforts to improve energy access and strengthen industrial activity across the region. However, its expected economic benefits will depend on project implementation, financing, regulatory approvals and the development of the infrastructure needed to deliver gas to businesses.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia