In a landmark event poised to reshape Nigeria’s border regions, the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), setting the stage for a groundbreaking partnership. The historic meeting held on September 23, 2024, between the BCDA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Dax George-Kelly Alabo, and the leadership of the NIQS led by QS Kene C. Nzekwe, marks a new era of collaboration aimed at fostering socio-economic development in Nigeria’s often neglected border communities.
The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Nigeria’s leading body for professionals in the quantity surveying field, made a strategic move when its President, QS Kene C. Nzekwe, and the National Executive Council paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of BCDA, Dr. Dax George-Kelly Alabo. The purpose of the visit was clear: to seek a closer, more integrated partnership with the BCDA to drive impactful development in Nigeria’s border communities.
QS Nzekwe’s address during the meeting underscored the growing need for collaboration between the NIQS and BCDA. He stressed that the combined expertise and resources of both organizations could spark transformative projects, boosting the socio-economic landscape of the border communities. The significance of this partnership, he emphasised, extends beyond the borders of Nigeria; it could set an example for neighbouring nations struggling with similar challenges.
A Well-Timed Partnership to Tackle Border Community Challenges
The visit could not have come at a better time. With over 3,000 border communities spread across 105 local government areas in 21 states of Nigeria, the development of these marginalized regions has remained a major challenge. For years, these areas have faced inadequate infrastructure, poor access to healthcare and education, and severe economic deprivation. A partnership with the NIQS could bring the necessary technical expertise, precision, and strategic planning required for the effective execution of projects that would benefit these communities.
For decades, Nigeria’s border communities have been on the fringes of the national development agenda, often forgotten or neglected by mainstream economic policies. This neglect has, in turn, led to discontent and at times, strained loyalties within these border communities. Dr. Dax George-Kelly Alabo’s leadership of the BCDA has been pivotal in reversing this trend, ensuring that these communities become integral to Nigeria’s socio-economic development framework.
Dr. George-Kelly’s Exemplary Leadership Acknowledged
In his address, QS Nzekwe paid glowing tributes to Dr. George-Kelly for his enduring contributions to the quantity surveying profession and his pivotal role in uplifting the NIQS to new heights during his tenure as National Secretary for Marketing & Corporate Affairs. He noted that Dr. George-Kelly’s philanthropic endeavours and his ongoing support have played a key role in enhancing the Institute’s visibility and capacity to drive change within the profession.
QS Nzekwe particularly lauded Dr. George-Kelly for his efforts to digitize the operations of the NIQS, a step that revolutionized the Institute and positioned it as a leader in the field. The BCDA Executive Secretary’s foresight and leadership in embracing modern technology, even while working to uplift disadvantaged communities, was described as both visionary and crucial for the future of the profession.
In his response, Dr. Dax George-Kelly did not hold back in reciprocating the accolades. He congratulated the NIQS leadership for their commendable work in advancing the quantity surveying profession in Nigeria and assured them of his continued support.
Most importantly, he reiterated the importance of quantity surveyors in fulfilling the BCDA’s mandate of developing Nigeria’s border regions. The border communities have historically suffered from poor infrastructure, limited economic opportunities, and a general lack of attention from the central government. However, Dr. George-Kelly sees quantity surveyors as key players in turning the tide for these communities, given their expertise in cost management, planning, and project execution.
Revolutionizing Funding for Border Development: Dr. George-Kelly’s Strategic Outlook
Dr. George-Kelly went further to highlight one of the critical aspects of his leadership—innovative funding strategies. He stressed that the BCDA’s role goes beyond the mere execution of projects; it involves the creation of sustainable financial models that would ensure the longevity of developmental efforts. By collaborating with the NIQS, BCDA can develop long-term solutions to funding challenges, which have hampered many government initiatives in the past.
This focus on innovative funding reflects a broader strategy aimed at securing the future of Nigeria’s border communities. Rather than relying solely on government allocations, which are often delayed or inadequate, Dr. George-Kelly has been exploring alternative avenues for securing the necessary resources. This includes public-private partnerships, grants from international development agencies, and contributions from philanthropic organizations.
Commitment to Training and Capacity Building: A New Chapter for NIQS and BCDA
A crucial element of the proposed partnership between NIQS and BCDA is training and manpower development. Dr. George-Kelly made it clear that the BCDA is keen on working closely with the NIQS to ensure that both organizations can benefit from each other’s strengths. By pooling resources, the NIQS can help train personnel in border communities, empowering them with the skills required to manage and maintain infrastructure projects.
The capacity-building initiatives will not only create jobs but will also ensure the sustainability of development projects. By training local inhabitants of these border communities, the BCDA and NIQS can create a sense of ownership and involvement, which will foster loyalty and improve the socio-economic conditions of these areas.
The Road Ahead: A Partnership That Could Redefine Nigeria’s Border Regions
The historic meeting between the NIQS leadership and the BCDA has set in motion a partnership that could redefine the development trajectory of Nigeria’s border communities. While many may see quantity surveying as a technical profession removed from the immediate challenges of these regions, the reality is quite different. Quantity surveyors play a crucial role in project design, cost management, and resource allocation, all of which are essential for large-scale developmental projects.
Boosting Local Economies Through Infrastructure Development
The collaboration between the BCDA and NIQS promises to significantly boost local economies in border regions. As infrastructure projects are rolled out, new opportunities for employment and commerce will emerge, offering local residents a chance to improve their livelihoods. Improved infrastructure—ranging from roads to schools and healthcare facilities—will facilitate greater economic activity and better access to essential services.
Dr. George-Kelly has made it his mission to ensure that the border communities are no longer left behind in Nigeria’s development agenda. By forging strong partnerships with organizations like the NIQS, he is laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term growth that will uplift these regions and, by extension, the entire country.
A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Border Communities
As this partnership unfolds, it holds the potential to serve as a model for other African nations struggling with similar challenges in their border regions. By leveraging the expertise of quantity surveyors and the strategic leadership of the BCDA, Nigeria can demonstrate how innovative partnerships can transform marginalized areas into thriving hubs of economic and social activity.