The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Dr. George D.A. Kelly, FNIQS, granted Channels Television an exclusive interview at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The discussion centered on BCDA’s mandate to drive development in Nigeria’s Border Communities, the pressing challenges faced by these communities, and the transformative strides achieved under Dr. Kelly’s leadership, with the support of the Renewed Hope Agenda strategy of Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

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In a significant move to harness the vast economic potentials of Nigeria’s Border Communities, the Executive Secretary of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Dr. George D.A. Kelly, FNIQS, led a high-powered delegation on a strategic visit to the Jigawa State Governor, His Excellency Mallam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, on Wednesday, 20th August, 2025. The meeting held in the Governor’s Office, Government House, Dutse, Jigawa State.

The delegation, which included the BCDA Management Team and investors from the YangPo Global Corporation Group of China, met with His Excellency Mallam Umar. A Namadi, FCA and the State Executive Council in fulfilment of an earlier promise by the BCDA to attract investors to the Maigatari Border Free Trade Zone. In his opening remarks, Dr. Kelly expressed his pleasure at visiting Jigawa, a key Border State, to foster socio-economic development. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the BCDA and the Presidential Committee on Financial Inclusion to maximize opportunities for Border Communities, directly supporting Mr. President’s target of building a $1 trillion economy.

The high-level discussions centred on a comprehensive plan to establish a modern, integrated facility dedicated to cattle breeding and meat processing for export. Dr. Kelly announced a crucial milestone, that the Maigatari Free Trade Zone in Jigawa State has been selected as the pilot project for this initiative. Upon successful implementation, this model will serve as a blueprint for replication in other Border States across the Federation.
Substantiating the proposal, Dr. Kelly confirmed that the Chinese partners have already secured the necessary funding from various banks in China, thereby demonstrating a serious commitment to the venture. He also reiterated the BCDA’s similar mission to integrate border community residents into the Presidential Committee on Financial Inclusion programme spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President.

Dr. Kelly also went further to eulogize the Executive Governor for his vision, insight and passion for the development of his state by embarking on the construction of an ongoing Cargo Airport in Dutse, which will help to ensure seamless transportation of goods from the Free Trade Zone.

In response, Governor Namadi expressed profound enthusiasm and his full endorsement for the transformative initiative. He commended Dr. Kelly for his visionary leadership since his assumption to office and recognized him for his vast understanding in the execution of the Agency’s mandate for the benefit of the people living in the Border Communities. His Excellency also appreciated Mr. President for appointing a technocrat like Dr. Kelly to head the BCDA and further acknowledged the Executive Secretary for selecting Jigawa State for the pioneer pilot project. The Governor pledged his administration’s unwavering commitment to providing every necessary support to ensure the project’s success, noting its perfect alignment with the state’s economic diversification agenda and focus on agriculture-driven growth.

Following the productive meeting, the delegation, accompanied by senior state government officials, conducted a physical inspection of the Maigatari Free Trade Zone site and the Maigatari International Livestock Market. This firsthand tour enabled the investors and the BCDA Team to assess the location’s potential and existing infrastructure, and also had discussions based on concrete observation.

The visit concluded on a high note, with all parties expressing a shared commitment to swiftly turning the vision of a modern, export-oriented 220, 000 tons per year capacity cattle (beef) processing facility for export into a reality for the people of Jigawa and Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Dr. George D.A. Kelly, FNIQS, alongside the Agency’s Management Team, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Bayo A. Adelabu, OFR, to explore opportunities for collaboration between the two MDAs. The meeting was held at the Honourable Minister’s Conference Room at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, 23rd July 2025.
Dr. Kelly emphasized the need for urgent intervention in the energy infrastructure of Nigeria’s Border Communities. He highlighted the Agency’s mandate to improve the living conditions of people in these border areas, which span over 3,000 communities across 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas, housing more than 26 million Nigerians. These communities face significant challenges in accessing basic amenities such as electricity, clean water, education, and healthcare.
During the discussions, Dr. Kelly underscored the importance of sustainable power solutions in border areas, stressing the Agency’s commitment to addressing infrastructure deficits through renewable green energy solutions. He noted that improving electricity supply in these regions is vital for economic growth, security, and regional integration.
The Executive Secretary presented the Honourable Minister with the Act establishing the BCDA, a list of all Nigerian Border Communities and the Strategic Action Plan of BCDA to enable the Ministry of Power include Border Communities in subsequent budgets to compliment the interventions of the Agency. He also commended the President for always putting square pegs in square holes as exemplified by the appointment of the Minister of Power, other Ministers and many other appointments so far made.
The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Bayo A. Adelabu, OFR, acknowledged the significance of the initiative and assured the Executive Secretary and the BCDA delegation of the Ministry’s support in delivering reliable energy access to border communities. He commended the Executive Secretary for his collaborative efforts with other relevant government agencies, such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), to synchronize developmental efforts for the benefit of the people living in the border communities.
Chief Adelabu stated that the Ministry of Power is ready to work with the BCDA to execute energy projects, including mini-grids and off-grid solutions, in the identified border areas. This initiative, he noted, will boost the economic, social, and security needs of the inhabitants.
Both parties agreed that their collaboration would eliminate duplication in project execution, reduce costs, and ensure the successful delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President to Nigeria’s border communities.
Additionally, a working group was established to assess power needs and develop a framework for implementing viable projects to address the challenges in these underserved areas.
This partnership aims to leverage the Ministry’s expertise in energy solutions and the BCDA’s mandate to drive impactful development in the Border Communities. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing this collaboration for the benefit of Nigeria’s Border Communities.

In a landmark gathering at the Aso Villa Banquet Hall on 21st July, 2025, the Nigeria Forest Economic Summit (NFES) 2025 brought together government leaders, private sector investors and development partners to activate the nation’s $2 billion forest economy potential. The summit, a strategic collaboration between the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) and the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), marked a turning point for Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda.
The high-level event witnessed the participation of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, alongside cabinet ministers and traditional rulers, local and international partners and BCDA Management Team. The discussions centered on transforming Nigeria’s forest resources into engines of job creation, financial inclusion and climate-resilient growth.
Dr. George D.A. Kelly, Executive Secretary/CEO of Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), revealed during his keynote presentation that Nigeria boasts of over 10.6 million hectares of forests, our current carbon credit earnings remain below $50 million annually, is a mere fraction of the $2 billion potential we can achieve through proper valuation and sustainable management.
The summit yielded several critical outcomes including the establishment of a dedicated forest economy financing framework to attract investments, comprehensive skills development programs for forest communities, and innovative public-private partnerships to develop premium forest products. Dr. Kelly emphasized BCDA’s commitment to ensuring border communities benefit equitably from these initiatives while calling for immediate action against deforestation.
A key resolution focused on large-scale planting of high-value economic trees such as cocoa, rubber, moringa and oil palm. This dual-purpose strategy promises to simultaneously boost agricultural exports while creating valuable carbon sinks.
The NFES 2025 has set in motion a coordinated national effort, with PreCEFI and BCDA leading State Governments and development partners in transforming Nigeria’s forest sector into a model of inclusive green growth.

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.