BCDA AND THE MINISTRY OF POWER PARTNER TO ENERGIZE BORDER COMMUNITIES.

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.