Leadership Crisis Halts N10bn Allocation to BCDA

The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) is currently paralyzed due to a leadership crisis, with the Federal Ministry of Finance withholding a N10bn allocation until the leadership dispute is resolved. Efe Ovuakporie, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, stated that the release of public funds is contingent upon compliance with statutory and administrative requirements.

The crisis began after President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdulrazak Namdas as the new Director-General of the BCDA on June 26, replacing Dakorinama George, who resigned to contest in the Rivers State elections. However, George has refused to leave office, claiming he never resigned and that the announcement of his replacement was an error.

The Ministry of Finance has indicated that funds will not be released until the leadership issue is clarified, leading to a halt in BCDA activities. The situation has escalated, with George recently meeting with Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele to discuss budget releases.