The visit underscores the critical role of the BCDA in fostering development in Nigeria’s border regions and highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure that border communities receive the necessary support for sustainable growth and improved quality of life.

The visit was aimed at assessing the Agency’s performance in 2024, reviewing its budget implementation, and addressing the challenges hindering its ability to effectively execute development projects in Nigeria’s border communities.

During the visit, Dr. George-Kelly D. Alabo, DSSRS, FNIQS, the Executive Secretary of the BCDA, presented a comprehensive report on the Agency’s budget performance for the year. He emphasized that while the Agency’s mandate is critical to the development of border communities, the financial resources allocated to BCDA for 2024 have been insufficient to meet its operational needs.

Dr. George-Kelly expressed concern over delays in the release of funds, which he said were impacting the timely completion of projects. Additionally, he pointed out the challenges posed by the new payment system introduced by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), which has further slowed the disbursement of payments to contractors and affected the Agency’s project timelines.

Senator Yaroe Dauda responded with a clear recognition of the importance of the BCDA’s work but also voiced serious concerns about its financial constraints. He described the current budget allocations as inadequate, making it difficult for the BCDA to achieve its objectives in the border regions.

In response to these concerns, Dr. George-Kelly assured the Senate Committee of the BCDA’s commitment to improving its transparency and operational efficiency.

The Executive Secretary also outlined that the Agency intends to prioritize, particularly the execution of water projects for the border communities.

Water scarcity has been identified as a major issue in these regions, and addressing it has become a top priority for the BCDA.

Furthermore, the Executive Secretary highlighted the BCDA’s plans to support the rehabilitation and integration of displaced people, particularly those affected by the ceding of Bakassi. He maintained that providing these displaced populations with the necessary infrastructure and services is essential to their successful reintegration into Nigeria’s border communities.

The Senate Committee expressed its continued support for the BCDA and assured the Agency of its backing in addressing the challenges it faces. Senator Yaroe Dauda concluded by emphasizing the need for closer collaboration between the Senate and the BCDA to ensure that the Agency has the necessary resources and legislative support to fulfill its mandate.

The visit underscores the critical role of the BCDA in fostering development in Nigeria’s border regions and highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure that border communities receive the necessary support for sustainable growth and improved quality of life.

The visit was aimed at assessing the Agency’s performance in 2024, reviewing its budget implementation, and addressing the challenges hindering its ability to effectively execute development projects in Nigeria’s border communities.

During the visit, Dr. George-Kelly D. Alabo, DSSRS, FNIQS, the Executive Secretary of the BCDA, presented a comprehensive report on the Agency’s budget performance for the year. He emphasized that while the Agency’s mandate is critical to the development of border communities, the financial resources allocated to BCDA for 2024 have been insufficient to meet its operational needs.

Dr. George-Kelly expressed concern over delays in the release of funds, which he said were impacting the timely completion of projects. Additionally, he pointed out the challenges posed by the new payment system introduced by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), which has further slowed the disbursement of payments to contractors and affected the Agency’s project timelines.

Senator Yaroe Dauda responded with a clear recognition of the importance of the BCDA’s work but also voiced serious concerns about its financial constraints. He described the current budget allocations as inadequate, making it difficult for the BCDA to achieve its objectives in the border regions.

In response to these concerns, Dr. George-Kelly assured the Senate Committee of the BCDA’s commitment to improving its transparency and operational efficiency.

The Executive Secretary also outlined that the Agency intends to prioritize, particularly the execution of water projects for the border communities.

Water scarcity has been identified as a major issue in these regions, and addressing it has become a top priority for the BCDA.

Furthermore, the Executive Secretary highlighted the BCDA’s plans to support the rehabilitation and integration of displaced people, particularly those affected by the ceding of Bakassi. He maintained that providing these displaced populations with necessary infrastructure and services is essential to their successful reintegration into Nigeria’s border communities.

The Senate Committee expressed its continued support for the BCDA and assured the Agency of its backing in addressing the challenges it faces. Senator Yaroe Dauda concluded by emphasizing the need for closer collaboration between the Senate and the BCDA to ensure that the Agency has the necessary resources and legislative support to fulfil its mandate.