The Executive Secretary, Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Dr. George D.A. Kelly FNIQS received the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami who paid a courtesy visit to the Border Communities Development Agency on 3rd April, 2025 at the Agency’s head office in Abuja.

While welcoming the Deputy Governor and his delegation, Dr. Kelly reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to partnering with the Ondo State Government to improve the socio-economic well-being of the people living in the border communities of Ondo State.

His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, commended the BCDA’s efforts and expressed optimism that the collaboration between the State and the Agency would benefit the people living in the border communities of the State.

Furthermore, during the meeting, discussions focused on identifying and prioritizing critical developmental projects that address the unique challenges faced by these border communities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

This visit underscores the importance of intergovernmental cooperation in driving national development.

In a strategic bid to address energy challenges in Nigeria’s Border Communities, Dr. George D.A. Kelly, FNIQS, Executive Secretary of BCDA, led the Agency’s Management Team to the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) headquarters. The meeting held at Just Transition and Inclusion (JTI) Cluster Office of GIZ in Abuja on 27th March, 2025 aimed at exploring collaborative opportunities for sustainable energy solutions.
During the discussions, the Executive Secretary, highlighted the socio-economic challenges affecting Nigeria’s border communities. These Border Communities which share land and maritime boundaries with Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin Republic have challenges which include insecurity, inadequate access to clean water, poor health care facilities, and dilapidated educational infrastructure. Dr. Kelly disclosed that the BCDA has secured improved financial support under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, enabling the Agency to be in a position to execute and commission over 200 green and smart projects in 2025, utilizing solar-powered solutions, particularly water projects, which remain top priority for improving livelihoods in these border communities.
The Executive Secretary emphasized that, the alignment between BCDA’s vision and GIZ’s operational focus, presents an excellent opportunity for synergy between both Organizations. BCDA’s planned socio-economic development projects will include solar-powered water systems, health centres, schools, and agricultural initiatives.
Mr. Joshua Yari Garba, GIZ’s Head of Component for Enabling Environment, welcomed the collaboration, highlighting GIZ’s 50-year partnership with Nigeria and shared objectives in community development. He proposed joint efforts in solar-powered water systems and off-grid, mini-grid deployments to stimulate socio-economic growth in border areas.
To enhance the initiative’s scope, GIZ representative Mr. Garba further proposed the inclusion of four additional GIZ Clusters in future discussions, ensuring comprehensive impact for Nigeria’s border Communities.
This partnership represents a significant step towards equitable development, leveraging on renewable energy to transform underserved border Communities across Nigeria.

The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) and the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) convened a strategic meeting at the BCDA Headquarters in Abuja to explore areas of mutual cooperation. The high-level engagement was led by Dr. George D.A. Kelly FNIQS, the Executive Secretary of BCDA, and Dr. Abubakar Saleh, MFR, the Director General of the NAGGW.
During the deliberations, both Agencies identified significant alignment in their respective mandates, particularly in addressing the developmental challenges faced by border communities in Nigeria and combating the advancing threat of desertification. Recognizing the complementary nature of their operations, the two organizations formally agreed to establish a framework for collaboration that will enhance their collective impact.
A key outcome of the meeting was the mutual commitment to joint project development and implementation. This collaboration will include coordinated planning from the initial procurement stages through to execution, ensuring optimal resource utilization and project effectiveness. Both Heads of Agencies emphasized the importance of co-financing arrangements that will enable the realization of larger-scale developmental initiatives in target border communities.
The meeting also highlighted opportunities for technical cooperation, with BCDA offering to share its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capabilities to support collaborative projects. This technological advantage will be complemented by a structured knowledge exchange program between the two Agencies, designed to build institutional capacity and enhance operational efficiency on both sides.
To ensure the immediate implementation of this collaboration, the leadership of both Agencies constituted a Joint Technical Committee (JTC). This Committee has been mandated to develop detailed implementation frameworks and commence work without delay. The establishment of this Committee underscores the seriousness with which both organizations approach this partnership and their shared commitment to delivering tangible results for the benefits of the people living in the border communities of Nigeria.
In their closing remarks, both Dr. Kelly and Dr. Saleh expressed strong optimism about the potential of this collaboration to transform the lives of the people living in the border communities while addressing environmental challenges. They reaffirmed their commitment to providing the necessary leadership support.
In conclusion, this collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in Inter-Agency cooperation.

In a significant step towards ensuring the successful execution and supervision of the Border Communities Development Agency’s 2025 Capital Projects, the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Dr. George D.A. Kelly FNIQS, and the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), led by its President, QS Kene C. Nzekwe FNIQS, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 24th March, 2025 at the Agency’s Head Office in Abuja.
The MoU is designed to uphold the highest standards of quality assurance and project delivery, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This collaboration aims to strengthen the implementation of BCDA’s Capital projects, ensuring they meet international best practices and contribute meaningfully to the development of border communities located in over 3,000 communities, in 105 Local Government Areas in 21 States of the Federation.
The partnership will leverage NIQS’s expertise in quantity surveying, cost management, and project supervision to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the execution of BCDA’s 2025 projects. By aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the initiative seeks to foster sustainable development, improve infrastructure, and elevate the quality of life for residents in the border communities.
During the signing ceremony, Dr. George D.A. Kelly, Executive Secretary of BCDA, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating, “This MoU marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to delivering impactful projects that align with Mr. President’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria. With NIQS’s technical expertise, we are confident that our 2025 projects will be executed to the highest standards, ensuring value for money and sustainable development.” The Executive Secretary also used the opportunity to express gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for BCDA’s enhanced budgetary allocation for the year 2025 and promised that the funds will be used judiciously to fund all the Agency’s projects in Water Supply, Health, Education, Agriculture/Food Security and Social Welfare.
Furthermore, this partnership includes extensive capacity building initiatives, where NIQS will provide specialized training for BCDA staff in critical areas such as project monitoring, evaluation, and development planning. This knowledge transfer will enhance BCDA’s institutional capabilities in project implementation and oversight.
In addition, Dr. Kelly emphasized that BCDA will be “going green” and all projects would be smart and green for the border communities, utilizing solar energy. Also, the Agency will be providing off-grid solar power systems to the border communities to compliment other power solutions.
In his remarks, QS Kene C. Nzekwe, President of NIQS, expressed optimism about the partnership, noting, “This collaboration with BCDA provides an opportunity for NIQS to contribute its wealth of experience in ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality. We are committed to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President through effective project management and supervision.”
The signing ceremony which held in Abuja was attended by key stakeholders from both organizations and Gentlemen of the Press.
This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving national development goals and marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development.

The Executive Secretary, Border Communities Development Agency, Dr. George D.A. Kelly FNIQS has commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. B.A. Adeniyi for his laudable initiative tagged “Customs Cares”. This comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme is designed to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development across Nigerian communities, especially border communities where they operate.
Dr. Kelly alongside Management Members of BCDA attended the event, held at the Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja on Thursday, 20th March, 2025. Also present at this auspicious occasion were the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of Education, and the Honourable Minister of Youth, amongst other dignitaries present. The Government Secondary School was unveiled as the first beneficiary of the “customs cares” initiative, marking a significant milestone.
The “Customs Cares” programme aligns seamlessly with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR “Renewed Hope Agenda”, focusing on critical sectors such as health, education, special investments, food security, creative economy, and environmental sustainability. These areas of focus are also in tandem with BCDA’s strategic intervention priorities for border communities.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary expressed the Agency’s profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for the enhanced budgetary allocation to BCDA in the 2025 fiscal year. He emphasized that this increased funding would enable the Agency to deliver numerous socio-infrastructural projects, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, to Nigerians residing in the border communities.
Dr. Kelly further used the occasion to outline that all BCDA projects are designed to be smart and green, utilizing solar energy. The Agency’s areas of focus for intervention in 2025 include Water Supply, Health, Education, Agriculture/Food Security, Social Welfare and Green Power. Over 300 infrastructural projects will be executed in 2025, particularly solar-powered water projects aimed at improving the living conditions of residents in Nigeria’s border communities. These projects will be implemented across 3,000 communities in 105 Local Government Areas in 21 States of the Federation.
In a demonstration of support for the NCS CSR programme, BCDA pledged scholarships to the 10 best graduating students of the Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, as part of its contribution to the initiative.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Kelly said BCDA would partner with the NCS Corporate Social Responsibility programme in areas of health, skills acquisition, education and other critical sectors. He reaffirmed BCDA’s unwavering commitment to its strategic partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing security and improving the socio-economic well-being of residents in Nigeria’s border communities.

The Executive Secretary of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Dr. George D.A. Kelly FNIQS paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, on the 6th March, 2025 in the conference room of the Ministry’s Headquarters to discuss the Agency’s vision, 2025 procurement plan, and medium-term Strategic Action Plan (SAP). This visit aimed to secure the Minister’s support in ensuring one hundred percent budget implementation for the 2025 fiscal year through prompt releases and increased funding.
The Executive Secretary highlighted BCDA’s priority intervention areas, which include water supply, education, health, agriculture, power supply, social welfare, and security. These initiatives are designed to address the unique challenges faced by the residents of Nigeria’s border communities and align with the Federal government’s commitment to inclusive development.
Dr. Kelly expressed gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his unwavering support to the Agency. He pledged that under his leadership, BCDA would commission over 200 projects in 2025, all of which will be in line with Mr. President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”. These projects aim to bring relief and improve the quality of life for the people living in border communities across Nigeria.
In his response, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Mr. Wale Edun, commended BCDA for its vision and commitment to transforming border communities. He assured the Agency of his support through prompt releases and exploring additional funding avenues, both locally and internationally. The Minister encouraged Dr. Kelly to maintain the momentum in delivering impactful projects that align with the Federal Government’s developmental goals.
In conclusion, the meeting between the Honourable Minister of Finance and BCDA marks a strategic step towards achieving the Agency’s mandate, and ensuring that border communities benefit from improved infrastructure and socio-economic development.

The Executive Secretary Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) Dr. George D.A. Kelly FNIQS and his Management Team held a meeting with the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Johannes Lehne today 6th March, 2025 at the German Embassy in Abuja.
Dr. Kelly, during the meeting formally briefed the German Ambassador of the mandate of the Agency which is to provide the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the people living in the border communities in Nigeria who are located in over 3,000 communities, in 105 Local Government Areas, across 21 states that have been historically underserved despite their strategic importance to the nation.
The Executive Secretary emphasized BCDA’s commitment to “going green” by prioritizing renewable energy projects, particularly solar energy, as parts of its action plan. He revealed that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, had approved a substantial budget for the Agency for the 2025 fiscal year to execute transformative projects in border communities in line with “The Renewed Hope Agenda”.
Dr. Kelly highlighted the Agency’s focus on key areas such as water provision, food security, sanitization and solar energy projects. He also requested the German Embassy’s assistance in connecting BCDA with established German companies specializing in clean energy technologies to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.
H.E. Ambassador Johannes Lehne expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, describing it as mutually beneficial. He assured Dr. Kelly and the BCDA delegation of the Embassy’s readiness to introduce the Agency to reputable German energy companies with expertise in clean energy solutions. The Agency will also have the opportunity to physically visit the companies and exchange technical solutions tailored to meet the Agency’s needs and requirements.
The Ambassador also highlighted on the Nigeria Energy Support programme (NESP), a German GIZ funded initiative that supports the construction of mini-grids and solar-powered systems to provide clean and affordable energy to rural communities. He suggested that BCDA could be integrated into the program to extend its benefits to Nigeria’s border regions, ensuring that residents gain access to sustainable energy.
The Executive Secretary also presented the BCDA Strategic Action Plan (SAP) to Ambassador Lehne. The SAP outlines BCDA actionable projects, with strong emphasis on renewable energy, water provision, food security, capacity building and sanitation. The plan reflects the Agency’s dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by the border communities in Nigeria while promoting sustainable development.
In conclusion, the partnership between BCDA and the German Embassy represents a significant step towards achieving energy security, capacity building and sustainable development in Nigeria’s border regions, while fostering international collaboration.

The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) Headquarters in Abuja played host to a three-man delegation from Lagos State University (LASU) on the 13th of February, 2025. The delegation, led by Dr. Willie Eselebor, was received by the Executive Secretary of the BCDA, Dr. George D.A. Kelly, FNIQS, and other top management staff of the Agency. The purpose of the visit was to formally intimate the BCDA about the upcoming 2026 Conference of the African Borderlands Research Network (ABORNE) and to solicit the Agency’s collaboration and participation in the event.

The delegation from LASU informed the BCDA that Lagos State University, in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), will be co-hosting the 2026 ABORNE Conference. The conference, with the theme “The Connected Borderlands, Socio-Cultural and Centrality of Policy, Research, and Security,” is scheduled to hold from 24th to 27th August 2026 in Nigeria. The event is expected to bring together scholars, professionals, and stakeholders in border and migration studies from across the globe to deliberate on critical issues affecting borderlands and migration, share experiences, and proffer sustainable solutions.
Dr. Eselebor emphasized that the BCDA, as a Federal Government Agency tasked with the socio-economic development of Nigeria’s border communities, is a critical stakeholder in the conference. He stressed the need for the Agency’s partnership and collaboration to ensure the success of the conference and to address the multifaceted challenges faced by border communities.
In his response, the Executive Secretary of the BCDA, Dr. George D.A. Kelly, FNIQS, expressed his gratitude to the LASU delegation for considering the Agency as a key partner in this laudable initiative. He commended LASU and NIS for their efforts in hosting a conference of such international magnitude, which aligns with the BCDA’s mandate to promote development and security in Nigeria’s border areas.
Dr. Kelly assured the delegation of the Agency’s full support and participation in the conference. He noted that the event would provide an excellent platform for the BCDA to showcase its achievements, programs, and impacts in Nigeria’s border communities. Furthermore, he highlighted the opportunity for the Agency to engage with international partners, researchers, and policymakers from Europe, Asia, America, and other African countries, which could lead to fruitful collaborations and knowledge exchange.
As a demonstration of the BCDA’s commitment to the success of the conference, the Executive Secretary nominated the Director of Planning, Intergovernmental and Community Relations, Mr. Sadiq Abdullahi Isa, to represent the Agency as a member of the National Organizing Committee (NOC). This nomination underscores the Agency’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to the planning and execution of the conference.
The visit by the LASU delegation marks a significant step towards fostering synergy between academia, government agencies, and international stakeholders in addressing the challenges of borderlands and migration. The 2026 ABORNE Conference promises to be a pivotal event that will not only highlight the socio-cultural and policy dimensions of borderlands but also promote sustainable development and security in Nigeria’s border communities.
The BCDA under the stewardship of Dr. George D.A. Kelly FNIQS remains committed to leveraging on such opportunities to strengthen its impact on border communities and to build lasting partnerships with global stakeholders. The Agency looks forward to actively participating in the conference and contributing to its success.

The BCDA End-of-Year Party and Presentation of Awards was a remarkable occasion held at the Agency’s Corporate Head Office in Utako, Abuja. This event highlighted achievements, fostered unity, and celebrated the dedication of the hardworking staff of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).

The Executive Secretary, Dr. George D.A. Kelly (FNIQS), delivered an inspiring speech, outlining his vision for the Agency. He emphasized collaboration and his unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s border communities while prioritizing Staff welfare.

The Director of Planning recounted notable milestones achieved under Dr. Kelly’s leadership. These include successful partnerships with stakeholders and MDA’s to advance BCDA’s mandate, demonstrating progress and innovation.

Dr. George D.A. Kelly received the Award of Excellent Stewardship, recognizing his transformative leadership and dedication to the Agency’s progress.

Also, outstanding BCDA Staff were honoured with Meritorious Awards for exceptional performance and commitment.

The Civil Service Union (BCDA Chapter) expressed gratitude for Dr. Kelly’s open-door policy and dedication to improving Staff welfare, reflecting the positive changes under his tenure.

The BCDA End-of-Year Party was a memorable event that celebrated the Agency’s accomplishments, fostered unity, and set a positive tone for the coming year. It brought joy, laughter, and a renewed sense of purpose to all Staff members.

Congratulations to BCDA on a successful celebration and to all award recipients for their well-deserved recognition!

The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Binos Yaroe Dauda led other Distinguished Senators to conduct an oversight visit to the Head Office of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) in Abuja. The visit was aimed at assessing the Agency’s performance in 2024, reviewing its budget implementation, and addressing the challenges hindering its ability to effectively execute development projects in Nigeria’s border communities.

During the visit, Dr. George D.A. Kelly (FNIQS), the Executive Secretary of the BCDA, presented a comprehensive report on the Agency’s budget performance for the year. He emphasized that while the Agency’s mandate is critical to the development of border communities, the financial resources allocated to BCDA for 2024 have been insufficient to meet its operational needs. Dr. Kelly expressed concern over delays in the release of funds, which he said were impacting the timely completion of projects. Additionally, he pointed out the challenges posed by the new payment system introduced by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), which has further slowed the disbursement of payments to contractors and affected the Agency’s project timelines.

Senator Yaroe Dauda responded with a clear recognition of the importance of the BCDA’s work but also voiced serious concerns about the Agency’s financial constraints. He described the current budget allocations as inadequate, making it difficult for the BCDA to achieve its objectives in the border regions.

In response to these concerns, Dr. Kelly assured the Senate Committee of the BCDA’s commitment to improving its transparency and operational efficiency.

The Executive Secretary also outlined that the Agency intends to prioritize, particularly the execution of water projects for the border communities. Water scarcity has been identified as a major issue in these regions, and addressing it has become a top priority for the BCDA.

Furthermore, Dr. Kelly highlighted the Agency’s plans to support the rehabilitation and integration of displaced persons, particularly those affected by the ceding of Bakassi. He emphasized that providing these displaced populations with necessary infrastructure and services is essential to their successful reintegration into Nigeria’s border communities.

The Senate Committee expressed its continued support for the BCDA and assured the Agency of its backing in addressing the challenges it faces. Senator Yaroe Dauda concluded by emphasizing the need for closer collaboration between the Senate and the BCDA to ensure that the Agency has the necessary resources and legislative support to fulfil its mandate.

The visit underscores the critical role of the BCDA in fostering development in Nigeria’s border regions and highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure that border communities receive the necessary support for sustainable growth and improved quality of life.