The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) in its bid to foster institutional collaboration has welcomed the National Conference Committee of the African Borderlands Research Network (ABORNE). It was a strategic follow-up visit on Thursday, 26th February, 2026, at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Dr. Willie Eselebor from Lagos State University (LASU), was received by the Executive Secretary of the BCDA, Dr. George D. A. Kelly, FNIQS, alongside other top Management Staff.
This visit serves as a follow-up to the initial engagement in February 2025. During that time, the groundwork was laid for the Agency’s involvement in the upcoming 2026 ABORNE Conference.
During the meeting, the committee provided updates on the preparations for the conference. The conference is themed “The Connected Borderlands, Socio-Cultural and Centrality of Policy, Research, and Security.”
Scheduled to hold from the 24th to the 27th of August 2026, the event will bring together a global assembly of scholars. Security experts and policymakers will join them to deliberate on the evolving dynamics of borderlands.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Dr. George D. A. Kelly, FNIQS, expressed the Agency’s unwavering support for the initiative.
He noted that the BCDA’s participation is strategic. It will provide a vital platform to showcase the tangible developmental strides the Agency has made in Nigeria’s Border Communities.
He formally extended an invitation to the ABORNE delegation. They are invited to participate in the Nigeria Border Security and Economic Development Summit 2026.
The BCDA is hosting this summit. They are collaborating with the Office of the Vice President (OVP). It will take place in June 2026.
Dr. Kelly took the opportunity to brief the delegation. He highlighted the significant milestones achieved by the BCDA under his leadership. These milestones have been reached since his assumption of office in 2024.
He noted that with the overwhelming support of Mr. President, the Agency has seen a tremendous improvement in its budgetary allocations rising from N2 billion to N50 billion.
This enhanced funding, he explained, has empowered the BCDA significantly. It has enabled the organization to undertake a robust portfolio of over 250 developmental projects across Nigeria’s Border Communities.
Dr. Kelly highlighted a critical shift in the Agency’s strategic vision. She framed Border Communities not merely as frontiers to be secured. She portrayed them as significant economic potentials and hubs of opportunity for national prosperity.
Highlighting key achievements, Dr. Kelly detailed the Agency’s robust collaboration with critical stakeholders, including the 21 Border States, relevant MDAs, and international investment partners.
A flagship example cited was the facilitation of a Meat Processing Plant in Maigatari, Jigawa State. The BCDA successfully brought in a Chinese firm. They established a facility capable of processing over 200,000 tons of meat (cattle) annually for export.
This project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits and create opportunities for the inhabitants of the Border Communities.
Furthermore, the Agency has awarded contracts for establishing Forward Operating Bases for the Nigeria Immigration Service. It also includes other sister security agencies in strategic border locations like Illela in Sokoto State and Cross River State. This move enhances the security architecture in these vital areas.
In conclusion, Dr. Kelly expressed his conviction that the forthcoming ABORNE conference will offer the BCDA an invaluable opportunity. It will allow the BCDA to share its successes on an international stage. The conference will help forge new partnerships. These partnerships are expected to translate into direct and sustainable benefits for the people living in Nigeria’s Border Communities.
The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) is an Agency of the Federal Government. It is mandated to provide socio-economic development to over 3,000 Border Communities. These communities are located in 105 LGA’s across 21 States of the Federation.
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