Minutes of the NBADF Meeting Held on Sunday 1st March 2026

1. Opening

The meeting commenced with an opening prayer led by a member.

2. Welcome Remarks by His Excellency (Chairman)

His Excellency welcomed all members and thanked them for attending the emergency meeting. He noted that the meeting was convened urgently due to pressing issues requiring immediate decisions, especially considering the ongoing fasting period observed by both Muslim and Christian members.

He acknowledged the significance of the spiritual season and remarked that the alignment of fasting across faiths was divinely orchestrated. Due to time constraints, he stated that previously discussed agenda items, including the minutes of the last meeting already shared on the platform, would not be revisited. The meeting would instead focus strictly on key priority matters.

3. Adjustment of Meeting Time

His Excellency explained that the meeting time had been adjusted from the usual 8:00 PM to accommodate members’ prayer schedules during the fasting period.

4. Agenda Item 1: Benin Republic National Elections (April 2026)

4.1 Introduction

His Excellency introduced the forthcoming Benin Republic National Elections, scheduled for approximately 2nd April 2026, as a key agenda item. He emphasized that developments in Benin Republic directly impact Nigeria and are therefore of strategic importance to the Forum.

He proposed that the Forum send a delegation of election observers to:

• Establish the Forum’s presence internationally
• Demonstrate institutional relevance in political and developmental matters
• Strengthen Nigeria–Benin bilateral engagement

Participation, however, would be self-funded due to current financial limitations.

4.2 Secretary’s Report

The Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, reported that:

• The Forum successfully obtained the accreditation link through diplomatic channels
• The Forum had been officially registered and accredited as an observer organization
• The next stage requires submission of names and details of delegates

He noted that the meeting was necessary to finalize the number and identity of participants.

4.3 Member Contributions & Concerns

• Princess Omotola Omole raised concerns regarding:
• The impact and benefits of participation
• Security conditions in Benin Republic
• Whether participation was compulsory
• Alhaji Fatai Shokunbi raised concerns regarding security guarantees, noting the unpredictable nature of elections.
• Pastor Ajibare commended the initiative, emphasizing:
• The importance of visibility
• That participation is strictly observational
• The strategic value for bilateral relations

4.4 Chairman’s Clarifications

His Excellency clarified that:

• The Forum’s participation is non-political and neutral
• Observers are not affiliated with any candidate or party
• Participation is through official accreditation channels, ensuring legitimacy
• The electoral body bears responsibility for observer safety
• The Nigerian Embassy would be notified

He emphasized that the exercise would:

• Enhance understanding of Benin’s political system
• Support informed policy recommendations
• Enable the Forum to contribute to regional stability

4.5 Logistics and Security Discussions

Members discussed logistics extensively:

• Accommodation, feeding, and coordination concerns were raised
• His Excellency assured that:
• Safe and moderate accommodation would be secured
• Transportation would be facilitated by the electoral body
• Embassy support would be leveraged
• Dr. Raji emphasized the need for:
• Structured planning
• Identification systems
• Pre-departure orientation

4.6 Deployment Strategy

His Excellency proposed:

• Deployment across Cotonou and Porto-Novo, with possible expansion to northern regions (e.g., Parakou, Nikki)
• Formation of two main entry groups:
• Seme Border
• Chikanda Border

Each group would have designated coordinators.

4.7 Additional Resolutions on Election Participation

• Interested members to indicate participation immediately
• Accreditation details must be completed before deployment
• Orientation session to be organized prior to departure
• Necessary travel documentation (including laissez-passer) to be processed

5. Agenda Item 2: Soya Beans Intervention Proposal

His Excellency noted that groundwork on the Soya Beans intervention project had been completed and urged immediate progression.

• Alhaji Alaso-Adura confirmed:
• The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as primary target
• Ministries of Trade and Agriculture as supporting institutions
• His Excellency directed that:
• The proposal be finalized and signed
• Relevant stakeholders proceed with submission

6. Agenda Item 3: Security Concerns Along Nigeria–Benin Corridor

Alhaji Alaso-Adura raised serious concerns about:

• Increasing kidnapping and insecurity
• Weak security coordination along border corridors

He proposed engagement with relevant authorities including General Shaffa.

His Excellency responded that:

• A press conference would be organized
• Findings would be documented and presented
• Advocacy efforts would target government attention

7. Agenda Item 4: NBADF Identification Cards

The need for official ID cards was discussed.

Resolutions:

• The Secretariat is to:
• Design and produce ID cards
• Integrate security features
• Explore digital/online processing

8. Agenda Item 5: Membership Development

His Excellency emphasized:

• The need to recruit younger members
• Importance of succession planning
• Removal of inactive members
• Exploration of corporate membership

Resolution:

• Membership Committee to be reactivated with clear timelines or be reconstituted.

9. Agenda Item 6: Financial Contributions

Alhaji Lasisi Bisiriyu Fanu raised concerns over poor compliance with:

• Monthly contribution of ₦5,000

Discussions highlighted:

• Need for consistency
• Encouragement for higher voluntary contributions

Resolutions:

• Publication of contributing members
• Possible publication of defaulters
• Recognition of the Secretary’s contributions

10. Secretariat Welfare

His Excellency acknowledged the dedication of the Secretary General.

Resolution:
A committee was constituted to recommend an allowance structure:

• Chairman: Alhaji Lasisi Bisiriyu Fanu
• Members: Madam Malaika, Prince Yemi Akran, Alhaji Umar Barka

11. Any Other Business

• Continued engagement on all strategic initiatives
• Emphasis on unity and commitment

12. Adjournment

The motion for adjournment was moved by Alhaji Umar Barka and seconded by Princess Omotola Omole.

13. Closing

The meeting ended with a closing prayer by Pastor Ajibare.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF VERSION HERE

Prepared by:
Mr. Emmanuel Essien
Secretary