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.
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