Lagos State University Delegation Visits Border Communities Development Agency to Solicit Collaboration for the 2026 Conference of the African Borderlands Research Network (ABORNE)
The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) Headquarters in Abuja played host to a three-man delegation from Lagos State University (LASU) on Thursday, 13th of February.
The delegation, led by Dr. Willie Eselebor, was received by the Executive Secretary of the BCDA, Dr. George-Kelly D. Alabo, DSSRS, FNIQS, and other top management staff of the Agency.
The purpose of the visit was to formally intimate the BCDA about the upcoming 2026 Conference of the African Borderlands Research Network (ABORNE) and to solicit the Agency’s collaboration and participation in the event.
The delegation from LASU informed the BCDA that Lagos State University, in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), will be co-hosting the 2026 ABORNE Conference.
The conference, with the theme “The Connected Borderlands, Socio-Cultural and Centrality of Policy, Research, and Security,” is scheduled to hold from 24th to 27th August 2026 in Nigeria.
The event is expected to bring together scholars, professionals, and stakeholders in border and migration studies from across the globe to deliberate on critical issues affecting borderlands and migration, share experiences, and proffer sustainable solutions.
Dr. Eselebor emphasised that the BCDA, as a Federal Government Agency tasked with the socio-economic development of Nigeria’s border communities, is a critical stakeholder in the conference.
He stressed the need for the Agency’s partnership and collaboration to ensure the success of the conference and to address the multifaceted challenges faced by border communities.
In his response, the Executive Secretary of BCDA, Dr. George-Kelly, expressed his gratitude to the LASU delegation for considering the agency as a key partner in this laudable initiative.
He commended LASU and NIS for their efforts in hosting a conference of such international magnitude, which aligns with BCDA’s mandate to promote development and security in Nigeria’s border areas.
The Executive Secretary assured the delegation of the agency’s full support and participation in the conference. He noted that the event would provide an excellent platform for BCDA to showcase its achievements, programs, and impacts in Nigeria’s border communities.
Furthermore, he highlighted the opportunity for the agency to engage with international partners, researchers, and policymakers from Europe, Asia, America, and other African countries, which could lead to fruitful collaborations and knowledge exchange.
As a demonstration of BCDA’s commitment to the success of the conference, the Executive Secretary nominated the Director of Planning, Intergovernmental and Community Relations, Mr. Sadiq Abdullahi Isa, to represent the agency as a member of the National Organizing Committee (NOC).
“This nomination underscores the agency’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to the planning and execution of the conference,” according to a statement from the Office of the Executive Secretary, BCDA.
“The visit by the LASU delegation marks a significant step towards fostering synergy between academia, government agencies, and international stakeholders in addressing the challenges of borderlands and migration.
“The 2026 ABORNE Conference promises to be a pivotal event that will not only highlight the socio-cultural and policy dimensions of borderlands but also promote sustainable development and security in Nigeria’s border communities.
“The Border Communities Development Agency under the stewardship of Dr. George-Kelly D. Alabo, DSSRS, FNIQS remains committed to leveraging on such opportunities to strengthen its impact on border communities and to build lasting partnerships with global stakeholders. The Agency looks forward to actively participating in the conference and contributing to its success,” the BCDA Executive Secretary further stated.
