…Says development of border communities will curb insecurity
…As bill scales second reading
The Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Benson Agadaga, on Tuesday, said his proposed amendment to the Border Communities Development Agency Act, 2006, is aimed at correcting long-standing exclusion of coastal communities and ensuring equitable development.
Agadaga spoke shortly after the Senate passed the bill for second reading.
He explained that the proposed legislation seeks to expand the list of recognised border communities and address administrative discrepancies affecting communities along the Bayelsa-Rivers boundary.
The lawmaker described the bill as a significant step towards giving neglected communities access to federal interventions.
“This is a bill that is very dear to me because it concerns communities that have been overlooked for too long. I thank God that it has finally seen the light of day,” he said.
Agadaga noted that border communities serve as entry points into the country and should be prioritised in national development efforts.
“When people come into Nigeria from neighbouring countries or through our coastal routes, the first Nigerians they encounter are those living in border communities. These communities represent the image of our country and should not be left without basic infrastructure and social amenities,” he added.
He disclosed that although over 3,000 communities are currently recognised under the agency, several coastal settlements in Bayelsa and other states have remained excluded.
The senator specifically mentioned communities in Brass, Nembe and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas as critical coastal settlements deserving inclusion.
“Bayelsa State has one of the longest coastlines in Nigeria. We are at the heart of the country’s oil and gas production. The economy of the nation depends significantly on resources produced from our region. It is only fair that our communities benefit from the same federal interventions available to other border communities,” he said.
Agadaga also pointed out discrepancies in the current listing of some communities, noting that certain areas classified under Nembe in Bayelsa are geographically located in Rivers State.
He said correcting such anomalies would ensure proper allocation of development resources.
The lawmaker stressed that the primary objective of the bill is to drive development, noting that improved infrastructure would also enhance security.
“This bill is not fundamentally about insecurity. It is about attracting federal government attention to neglected communities. If people have access to potable water, electricity, schools, healthcare and economic opportunities, they become more productive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He added that development would help reduce crime and social vices.
“When communities are developed and people can provide for their families, the temptation to engage in kidnapping or other criminal activities is greatly reduced. Development itself becomes a tool for promoting security,” he stated.
Agadaga expressed optimism that the bill would scale through the legislative process and receive presidential assent.
He urged his colleagues to support the amendment, describing it as a move to promote fairness and inclusion.
“This amendment is about fairness, inclusion and national development. It is about ensuring that no deserving border community is left behind,” he said.