Rivers State is advocating for demand-driven development projects that directly reflect the real needs of border communities.
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla Ibas, the State Administrator, made this known during a visit by the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).
The delegation, led by Executive Secretary Dr. George-Kelly Dakorinama Alabo, met the administrator at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Ibas criticized the top-down approach of federal interventions that fail to reflect the specific priorities of rural border populations.
He emphasized that only through genuine community consultation can development efforts become impactful, inclusive, and sustainable over time.
“Our country is rich enough to bring development to all citizens, but disjointed project execution is holding us back,” he said.
The administrator urged agencies and donors to enhance synergy, in delivering demand-driven development projects. he also noted that disconnected communities beyond Nigeria’s physical borders deserve equal inclusion.
While applauding BCDA’s renewed focus, he stressed that development must be people-focused and tied to grassroots needs assessments.
He also pledged state support for the BCDA, including provision of office space for its South-South zonal headquarters in Rivers.
The administrator backed BCDA’s 69 projects for Rivers in 2025—comprising 43 constituency initiatives and 26 capital projects.
“These must align with our ministries and stakeholders to ensure results that are practical, measurable, and truly transformative,” he added.
Dr. Alabo explained that BCDA’s projects emerged from a needs assessment spanning border communities in 21 states and 105 LGAs.
He outlined the agency’s key areas of intervention—healthcare, education, agriculture, water, electricity, and social services for underserved communities.
More than 26 million Nigerians live in border regions, many cut off from the national grid and federal infrastructure access.
Dr. Alabo thanked President Tinubu for increasing BCDA funding tenfold, enabling broader and deeper developmental impact across affected areas.
He also appealed for a permanent BCDA office in Rivers State to improve coordination and reach within the South-South zone.
The Rivers State Government reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, people-first development and meaningful federal partnerships that leave no community behind.
