The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) led by the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. George D.A. Kelly, FNIQS today 24th June, 2025 held a strategic collaborative session with the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and his Management Team. The session held in the Minister’s Conference Room at the Federal Secretariat, Phase II, Abuja.

Amongst other issues discussed are:
– Synergy between both MDAs to avoid projects duplicity.
– ⁠Consideration of Border Communities in the distribution of educational projects in Nigeria.
– ⁠Combination of efforts in the provision of teaching aids and infrastructure in over 3000 Border Communities.
– ⁠Data sharing and development of broader data bases to enable the identification of Border Communities without schools and Federal Government presence.
– ⁠Provision of non/formal education – especially nomadic education, Almajiris education, adult education etc.

The Executive Secretary/CEO applauded the Honourable Minister of Education for his giant strides in transforming the educational sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and for coming up with new initiatives for the improvement of education in Nigeria. He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for putting square pegs in square holes especially in his appointment of competent Ministers with the capacity to deliver.

The Executive Secretary also presented to the Honourable Minister, the Strategic Action Plan of the BCDA (SAP) and the list of projects of BCDA in 2025 in the educational sector which shows that 27% of the year’s budget was directed at Education whereas 25% was directed to the Health sector and 20% to Water Supply and then the balance to Security and Social Services.

The Honourable Minister in his response thanked Mr. President for appointing an experienced professional to mount the saddle of the BCDA and praised the Executive Secretary for his dexterity and passion in ensuring that hope is restored and the livelihood and prosperity of border community dwellers is assured.

The meeting ended with the constitution of a Committee of both teams to bring the strategic plans agreed upon to reality within the shortest possible time.

The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) has a statutory mandate as captured in its establishment Act No. 23 of 2003 (as amended in 2006), to address socio-economic challenges and infrastructural deficits of over 3,000 Border Communities spanning 105 local Government Areas across 21 States of the federation having international boundary. These communities often lack basic social services and infrastructure, forcing them to rely on neighbouring countries for essential needs. BCDA has intensified its developmental interventions in Nigeria’s Border Communities in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

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Worried about the incessant outbreaks and transmission of pathogens and communicable diseases like cholera, mpox and polio from humans and animals from over 1600 illegal Border entry points in Nigeria, the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) is to partner with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in the creation of a reliable GIS-based data base and health surveillance/check points in these areas to forestall occurrences.

In a meeting between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, CON and his Team which includes the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, Director of Port Health Services, Dr. Nse Akpan and the Executive Secretary Border Communities Development Agency, Dr. George D.A. Kelly FNIQS and his Team comprising Management Members of the Agency, held today 29th May, 2025 at the Ministry’s Conference Room in the Federal Secretariat, Phase II, Abuja.

Dr. Kelly emphasized BCDA’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to tackle healthcare challenges and improve socio-economic conditions in Nigeria’s Border Communities. These communities, numbering over 3,000, span 105 Local Government Areas, across 21 states, sharing international land and maritime boundaries.

The Executive Secretary highlighted that strategic collaboration with the FMoH&SW would significantly enhance service delivery to these underserved areas, which face underdevelopment, inadequate healthcare, lack of schools, security threats, and smuggling activities.

The Coordinating Minister of Health welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of healthy Border Communities for national development. He expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with BCDA, recognizing the potential of cross-governmental collaboration in bridging healthcare gaps and boosting economic stability.

The Minister referenced ongoing regional efforts, such as the Chad Basin Ministers’ collaboration, to prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases. He described BCDA as a critical agency in advancing health security, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s blueprint for national development.

The Executive Secretary reiterated BCDA’s focus on water, healthcare, education, and security, with all projects to be executed using sustainable green energy solutions. He thanked President Tinubu for increased budgetary allocations, enabling the Agency to undertake more developmental projects for Border Communities.
Key discussion points included infrastructure development to improve healthcare access, capacity building for local health workers, and innovative approaches to serving remote communities.

Both Agencies agreed that collaboration would prevent duplication of healthcare infrastructure, ensuring cost efficiency and advancing the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. BCDA also pledged to support the Ministry’s efforts by implementing solar-powered water projects in the health centres constructed by the Ministry in the Border Communities.

The meeting concluded with the formation of joint working groups to coordinate collaboration in critical areas, including port health services, data sharing and GIS mapping, disease surveillance, capacity building, water supply and basic hygiene.

This partnership between the BCDA and the FMoH&SW marks a significant step towards improving healthcare deficits and promoting the economic potentials of Nigeria’s Border Communities.

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.