The federal government said there is an urgent need to address most of the challenges faced by border communities.
Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar stated this when he received the Executive Secretary of the Border Communities Development Agency, BCDA, Dr George D.A. Kelly, who paid him a courtesy visit in the Ship House.
A statement signed by Mati Ali, Personal Assistant, Media and Publicity to the Minister, was issued to DAILY POST, in which he explained that some of the challenges include a lack of healthcare facilities and access to clean water.
The minister therefore called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to address the challenges faced by the border communities’ dwellers.
According to him: “Government is committed to providing solutions to improve the welfare of the border communities’ inhabitants.
” You have to come up with a strategic master plan with members drawn from international organisations, non-governmental organisations, the National Assembly, state assemblies, state governors, local government chairmen, businessmen and other critical members of society.
“The plan should help drive the entire process of mobilising resources to fund some projects instead of depending on budgetary allocation from the federal government alone.
“I am not only from a border state, I am also from a border community and as a former governor of Jigawa State, I understand these border issues and will join hands with you to address these issues.”
Abubakar also pledged to support any viable initiative to address the problems.
Earlier in his address, Dr Kelly outlined the BCDA’s strategic action plan for 2024–2027, which includes short-term and long-term solutions to enhance access to essential services, security, communication, welfare, and agriculture in border communities