Border Communities Development Agency paralyzed by leadership dispute, N10bn allocation withheld

The Ministry of Finance, through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie, stated that public funds are released only after all statutory and administrative requirements are met. Ovuakporie indicated that issues requiring clarification regarding an agency's leadership must be resolved to ensure accountability and proper use of public resources, without confirming or denying that funds were blocked or specifying BCDA's unmet requirements. The dispute arose after President Bola Tinubu announced the appointment of Abdulrazak Namdas as Director-General on June 26, replacing Dr. Dakorinama George, who reportedly resigned to contest an election.

However, George, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, has refused to vacate the office, claiming he never resigned and that his replacement announcement was an "error." The Presidency has rejected this claim, with Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga affirming Namdas as the new head. Sources suggest that powerful interests, including the FCT minister, support George's continued tenure.

This standoff has paralyzed BCDA's operations, preventing it from executing projects and utilizing its budget, thereby impacting underserved border communities. The BCDA, established to develop over 3,000 border communities across 21