BORDER COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (BCDA) SEEKS STRATEGIC COLLABORATION WITH THE GERMAN AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION (GIZ) TO DEPLOY SOLAR POWERED ENERGY PROJECTS IN NIGERIA’S BORDER COMMUNITIES.

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.