BCDA: Leadership tussle cripples federal agency as ministry withholds N10bn

The Border Communities Development Agency is currently unable to function effectively due to a leadership crisis, according to reports from the Federal Ministry of Finance. The agency has been unable to utilize its N10bn budget allocation because the Federal Ministry of Finance has withheld the funds until the leadership issue is resolved.

The Ministry of Finance stated that public funds must comply with statutory and administrative requirements before being released, and that the ministry will not comment on internal administrative processes. The Ministry of Finance Director of Press and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie, made these statements while speaking with Sunday PUNCH.

The standoff arose from a dispute over the succession to the agency's leadership position. President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdulrazak Namdas as Director-General of the BCDA on June 26, replacing Dr Dakorinama George, who refused to relinquish his position and has continued to engage with the Finance Minister. The BCDA's responsibilities include developing border communities with essential infrastructure and amenities.

The ongoing uncertainty has prevented the agency from executing projects and using its budget, leaving border communities without necessary services. Opposition parties have criticized the crisis as evidence of governance failures within President Tinubu's administration.