AGP Executive Report

Campaign Politics: Former Communications Minister Adebayo Shittu says being left out of Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council is “not an achievement,” insisting he already did his part in 2023. Education Dispute: Federal Govt says it will update on the shutdown of some Federal Unity Colleges after unions ordered closures, despite earlier resumption directives. Energy Finance: Optasia moves to launch electricity lending (“Extra Power”) after acquiring Finergi, aiming to expand access to prepaid power credit. Border Trade: Nigeria and Benin plan real-time Customs data sharing at Sèmè-Kraké to cut delays at the One-Stop Border Post. Drugs & Crime: NDLEA in Edo destroyed five cannabis farms and seized tramadol and other drugs; separate reports also detail extraditions of alleged Black Axe romance-scam suspects from South Africa to the US. Public Health: UNFPA warns Ghana’s maternal deaths are at crisis levels, calling for urgent presidential action. Local Governance: ENSIEC says it is over 90% ready for Enugu’s Sept. 26 local government elections. Sports/Youth: Ghana’s Black Maidens vow to defend the WAFU B U17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire. Environment: Researchers confirm a deep-water coral ecosystem off Benin is alive after decades.

Customs & Trade: Nigeria and Benin are set to link their Customs systems at the Sèmè-Kraké border with real-time data sharing to cut delays for legitimate goods and travellers. Drug Control: Edo State NDLEA says it destroyed five cannabis farms and arrested three suspects, urging local chairmen to help stop illicit cultivation. Education in Benin: UNICEF donated computers and equipment to 43 secondary schools in Benin, aiming to expand digital classrooms and narrow the digital divide. Regional Health Leadership: Togo’s Palokinam Pitché begins a four-year term as head of WAHO, succeeding Benin’s Melchior Aïssi. Security & Kidnapping Concerns: A Niger State raid left dozens dead and hundreds reportedly abducted, with thousands fleeing into Benin—raising fresh alarm over Nigeria’s ability to respond early. Sports (WAFU B U17): Ghana’s Black Maidens vow to defend their WAFU B U17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, starting against Burkina Faso. Business & Industry: Benin’s push to process cotton locally is highlighted as part of a wider textile shift, with AI and automation seen as both opportunity and pressure for African manufacturers. Politics & Public Life: Natasha Osawaru, Edo lawmaker and 2Baba’s wife, renews her promise to become Nigeria’s president during her grandfather Gabriel Igbinedion’s 92nd birthday in Benin City.

Niger State Kidnapping Crisis: Armed men abducted scores of people from Kpenya and nearby communities in Borgu, Niger State, with reports ranging from 60 to as many as 600 after a viral video surfaced; officials have not clarified the exact number and there’s been no confirmed mass rescue. Edo Security on Benin–Sapele Road: Nigerian Army troops arrested suspected kidnapper Olamide Oyeniyi and recovered an AK-47, ammo, and items including a phone and charms during operations under Operation WABAIZIGAN. Benin Cotton Value-Add: In Parakou, fashion entrepreneur Fatoumata Dosso pushes “Made in Benin” to keep more cotton value at home, aligning with policy discouraging raw cotton exports. Edo Road Woes: A fresh account highlights years of gridlock and dangerous conditions on Edo highways, including a case where a family spent days stuck while transporting a corpse. Maritime/Shipping Push: Nigeria’s Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund is accelerating ship financing, while Dangote signals bigger fleet plans tied to expanding refinery and industrial output. Climate Services Leadership: NiMet DG Prof. Charles Anosike elected President of ACMAD’s Board of Governors, aiming to strengthen Africa’s weather and climate services. Myanmar UN Credentials Fight: Myanmar’s military-backed government escalated its campaign against UN ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, saying he was dismissed and accusing him of illegal activities ahead of a UN credentials decision. Sports & Culture: Benin’s handball win over Zimbabwe U20 was noted, while Nigeria’s National Troupe staged “When Walls Remember” linking African architecture and indigenous memory. Entertainment: Bovi Ugboma’s “Guilty as Charged” tour closes with Benin City shows in October.

Security Update (Edo): Nigerian Army troops under Operation WABAIZIGAN arrested suspected kidnapper Olamide Oyeniyi along the Benin–Sapele Road and recovered an AK-47, ammunition, a phone and other items, as authorities push to secure major corridors. Cotton Value-Add (Benin): In Parakou, a “Made in Benin” fashion push is urging the country to keep more cotton value at home by shifting from exporting raw material to producing finished garments—while also backing women’s livelihoods. Regional Education Safety (Benin): Northern Benin schools in 10 communes stayed closed as the new term begins, due to fears of terrorist attacks near the Burkina Faso and Niger borders. Climate & Weather Leadership (ACMAD): NiMet boss Prof. Charles Anosike was elected President of ACMAD’s Board of Governors for four years, aiming to strengthen Africa’s climate services and early warning systems. Roads & Daily Life (Edo): Reports highlight how long-running bad roads keep disrupting travel and livelihoods, with stranded commuters and gridlock still a recurring reality. Politics & 2027 (Edo): APC officials in Oredo say internal differences are settled and the party is readying for the 2027 elections. Sports (NPFL/CAF): Rangers International advanced in the CAF Champions League after beating Benin champions AS Sobemap on penalties. Global Brief (Myanmar): Myanmar’s military-backed government says its UN ambassador is occupying the post illegitimately as the UN credentials process moves forward.

Roads & Safety in Edo: Edo’s highway crisis hit hard again, with reports of three-day gridlock and a corpse stranded after days on the Benin–Agbor–Asaba route, while the Nigerian Army arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 along the Benin–Sapele Road. Trade & Customs Modernisation (Benin–Nigeria): Nigeria Customs Service and Benin Customs launched the Customs Declarations Exchange System (CDES) at Seme-Krake to track transit goods in real time and tighten joint risk alerts. Climate & Agriculture: Benin’s cotton push is turning raw material into finished clothing at home, and CSIR-SARI distributed 2,500 seedlings to support agroforestry and climate adaptation. Regional Security: Nigeria’s naval chief urged stronger ECOWAS Standby Force readiness and wider African maritime cooperation, citing the Gulf of Guinea task force and logistics support to frontline states including Benin. Edo Governance: Gov. Okpebholo carried out another minor cabinet reshuffle, redeploying four commissioners. Sports & Culture: Bovi closes his 2026 world tour with shows in Benin City and Lagos; Nigeria’s National Troupe staged “When Walls Remember” at Roots & Roofs, linking Benin, Yoruba and Igbo heritage through performance.

Edo Politics & Governance: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has carried out his fourth minor cabinet reshuffle in 2026, redeploying four commissioners to new portfolios as part of his SHINE Agenda push for better service delivery. Edo Development & Infrastructure: Okpebholo’s projects are also driving fresh political momentum in the state, with residents pointing to the reconstructed Okpagha–Amufi road corridor and flood-control ponds as visible proof of change. Benin–Nigeria Trade Modernisation: Nigeria Customs Service and Benin Customs have launched the Customs Declarations Exchange System (CDES) at the Sèmè–Kràké border to enable real-time sharing of declarations, transit data, risk alerts and coordinated enforcement. Regional Security: Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, urged stronger ECOWAS Standby Force readiness and wider African participation in maritime cooperation, citing the Gulf of Guinea task force and logistics support to frontline states including Benin. Climate & Institutions: NiMet DG Prof. Charles Anosike was elected President of the ACMAD Board of Governors in Cotonou, reinforcing Nigeria’s role in Africa’s climate services and early warning efforts. Business & Power in Edo: Ossiomo Power Company has rejected claims of 75% Chinese ownership, saying the crisis stems from a contractual dispute and alleged forced shutdown of its facility. Sports: Rangers International advanced in the NPFL/CAF Champions League pathway after beating Benin’s AS Sobemap on penalties, while Edo’s Okpebholo-linked political drive continues to dominate local headlines.

Customs & Trade Modernisation (Nigeria–Benin): Nigeria Customs Service and Benin Customs have launched the Customs Declarations Exchange System (CDES) at the Sèmè–Kraké One-Stop Border Post, aiming for real-time sharing of declarations, transit data, risk alerts and coordinated enforcement to cut delays and tighten compliance. Regional Security: Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, urged ECOWAS leaders to strengthen the ECOWAS Standby Force and expand African maritime cooperation to tackle terrorism and cross-border crime, citing the Combined Maritime Task Force–Gulf of Guinea. Edo Governance: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo approved a minor cabinet reshuffle, redeploying four commissioners across Water Resources, Physical Planning, Communications/Digital Economy and Oil & Gas. Edo–Benin Kingdom Spotlight: Okpebholo and Edo’s deputy governor congratulated the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, on his 92nd birthday, praising his business, education and community legacy. Edo Health & Maternal Care: Edo trained 120+ traditional birth attendants on safer delivery and danger-sign referral to improve newborn and maternal outcomes. Power Dispute in Edo: Ossiomo Power Company denied claims of 75% Chinese ownership, saying the crisis stems from a contractual dispute and an alleged forced shutdown of its facility.

Edo State Politics & Community: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa joined tributes for Chief Gabriel Igbinedion as he marks 92, praising decades of education, healthcare, media and community investment. Maternal Health: An Edo lawmaker trained 120+ traditional birth attendants on safer deliveries, danger signs and timely referral to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns. Roads & Infrastructure: The Federal Government says it has intensified federal road completions and dualisation in Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi, including major works on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and the Eke Obinagu flyover. Benin-Asaba Road Crisis: FG ordered emergency repairs on the Benin–Asaba highway after the concessionaire declined consent, citing worsening conditions and reduced equipment. Digital Identity & Services: Malawi plans to launch a digital ID wallet next week, while a separate report highlights how countries are exporting digital ID systems. Finance & Inclusion: JUMO and Standard Bank unveiled a Social Finance Framework to scale inclusive lending across African markets. Edo Governance: Edo councillors’ swearing-in outside the LGA headquarters sparked legal backlash and claims of illegality. International Crime: South Africa extradites six alleged Black Axe fraud suspects to the US over romance-scam wire fraud and money laundering. Tourism: Edo Carnival 2026 plans were unveiled, targeting Benin City as a cultural tourism hub.

Road Repairs Clash: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi has ordered major contractors onto all three sections of the Benin–Asaba Federal Road after the concessionaire refused federal intervention, overriding the consent clause and citing worsening conditions that are hurting motorists. Electricity Subsidy Debate: The federal government says it will phase out electricity subsidies from 2027, pointing to legacy debts and promising no immediate tariff hikes, but critics want clarity on what the ₦1.928tn 2025 subsidy covers and the inefficiencies behind it. Edo Politics & Governance: In Benin City, condemnation is growing over the swearing-in of Etsako East ward councillors outside the council’s headquarters, with lawyers calling it illegal. Edo Infrastructure Boost: Residents along the Okpagha–Amufi axis in Benin City welcome the reconstruction of the 8.6km road, saying it has revived business activity and cut travel stress. Sports (Local Pride): Bendel Insurance named Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie as club captain, with Kayode Oke as vice-captain, as the team looks to steady its NPFL campaign. Public Health: Oyo State warns healthcare workers to treat every patient as potentially infectious amid Lassa fever spread, citing confirmed cases and deaths. Regional Development: The AfDB and the African Forum of Deposit Funds plan deeper cooperation to mobilise long-term financing for Africa’s development.

Roads & Infrastructure: Nigeria’s Minister of Works David Umahi ordered emergency repairs on the Benin–Asaba highway after the concessionaire declined federal options, aiming to restore failed sections and end motorists’ hardship. Local Economy & Mobility: In Benin City, residents say the reconstructed Okpagha–Amufi 8.6km road has revived shops, businesses, and land values by improving access and cutting travel time. Public Safety & Accountability: Edo police opened an investigation after a viral clash between police and EDSTMA officials, including an officer firing a rifle; sanctions are expected for anyone found culpable. Health Watch: Oyo State warned healthcare workers to treat every patient as potentially infectious as Lassa fever spreads, reporting confirmed cases and deaths and urging better hygiene to reduce rat exposure. Education & Youth: UNIBEN denied claims that academic staff received half salaries, saying the “CATA” allowance was mistakenly treated as partial pay; elsewhere, UNESCO urged stronger protection for education as attacks on schools rose 33%. Trade & Regional Integration: Nigeria and Cameroon launched the Mfum–Ekok border modernisation push to cut bottlenecks and support AfCFTA goals. Security & Justice: NDLEA arrested and repatriated heroin kingpin Festus Ibewuike from Benin after a 49.70kg seizure in Lagos in 2024. Development Finance: AfDB and the African Forum of Deposit Funds agreed to deepen cooperation to mobilise long-term financing for Africa’s development. Benin Spotlight: Togo boosted food safety testing with World Bank support, while Benin’s region also featured major governance and development updates across the week.

Road Repairs & Accountability: Works Minister David Umahi ordered emergency contractor deployment on the Benin–Asaba highway after the concessionaire declined federal options, putting motorists’ suffering above concession terms. Urban Mobility Pressure: Edo residents renewed calls for faster completion of the Benin–Warri–Sapele route and complained that intra-city roads in Benin City are riddled with potholes and floods, especially around the GRA. Education Under Strain: UNESCO warned that verified attacks on schools rose 33% in 2025, while Edo parents said rising school fees and textbooks are forcing difficult choices ahead of the new term. Higher Education Update: UNIBEN denied claims that academic staff received half salaries in August, saying the issue was confusion over the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance. Drug Enforcement: NDLEA arrested and repatriated suspected heroin kingpin Festus Ibewuike after more than two years on the run, linked to a 49.70kg Lagos airport seizure. Regional Diplomacy: Benin President Romuald Wadagni congratulated Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, urging fresh momentum for bilateral ties.

Drug Enforcement: NDLEA has arrested and repatriated suspected kingpin Festus Ibewuike (alias Chidibest Ibewuike) from Cotonou, Benin, ending more than two years on the run after a 49.70kg heroin seizure at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport in February 2024; the drugs were hidden in cartons of metal-cutting machines, and the case followed a 12-day operation that also led to arrests, frozen accounts and forfeited properties. Education Costs: Edo parents are cutting education spending ahead of the Sept. 14 resumption as school fees and learning materials rise, with some families switching to cheaper schools or even home teaching. Roads & Accountability: The federal government says it will urgently repair the Benin-Asaba Highway after years of neglect and gridlock, ordering contractors to mobilise and redesign for stronger pavement—while Nigerians and civil groups demand answers over concession performance and past payments. Security Politics: ASITU warns that repeated attacks on political candidates, including reports involving Peter Obi, could raise the risk of violence ahead of the 2027 elections. Local Development: Residents in Edo praise Gov. Okpebholo’s construction of the 8.6km Okpagha-Amufi road and drainage upgrades for easing erosion and improving daily travel. Benin-UAE Ties: Benin and the United Arab Emirates are deepening defense cooperation after a meeting between Benin’s defence leadership and the UAE ambassador, with plans for training and security support.

Benin-Asaba Expressway Fallout: Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Works is moving to terminate the Benin-Asaba Expressway concession, citing “gross” contract breaches and worsening road conditions for motorists, while a civil society group (ANEEJ) demands an independent probe and recovery of about ₦14bn paid for an 11km stretch. Power Crisis in Edo: Edo State says the prolonged shutdown of the Ossiomo Power plant is hurting businesses and SMEs, as Nigeria’s DisCos face fresh sanctions over about ₦1.5tn in outstanding electricity market obligations. Edo Football Boost: Edo Queens received ₦50m after winning the WAFU B Women’s Champions League, with Governor Okpebholo praising their penalty-shootout composure. University Pay Tensions: Fresh concerns are emerging over implementation of a 40% salary increase for federal university lecturers, with some varsities suspending payments due to funding gaps. Health Donation: RCCG’s Christian Social Responsibility arm donated three dialysis machines to UBTH to strengthen renal care. Regional Trade Friction: AfCFTA’s five-year rollout is still failing to remove border delays, with traders reporting goods stuck for days at crossings.

Benin-Asaba Road Accountability: Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Works is moving to terminate the Benin-Asaba Expressway concession, citing “gross” contract breaches and warning motorists face worsening conditions on the 125km corridor. Civil Society Watchdog: ANEEJ is demanding an independent probe and recovery of about ₦14bn allegedly paid for an 11km stretch, after the Works Minister said only around 40% of agreed work was completed. Edo Power Disruption: Edo State says the prolonged shutdown of the Ossiomo Power plant is hurting businesses and SMEs, following an ownership dispute involving its Chinese partner. Edo Security Push: Governor Monday Okpebholo says Edo will be safer soon, promising faster emergency response and urging community intelligence to help security agencies. Elections in Kebbi: Police, INEC and the judiciary pledge neutrality and equal protection as electioneering begins, warning against hate speech, vote buying and intimidation. AfCFTA Trade Reality Check: A report marks AfCFTA’s five years in practice, but highlights how border paperwork delays still stall goods moving between Nigeria and Cameroon.

Road Accountability in Edo: The Federal Ministry of Works has moved to terminate the Benin–Asaba road concession, saying the contractor’s work worsened the highway and may not meet the approved scope. Public Scrutiny: ANEEJ is demanding a refund of over ₦14bn allegedly paid for the corridor, asking for contract documents, payment records and clarification after claims that only about 40% of work was done. Edo Security Push: Governor Monday Okpebholo says Edo will be safer soon, promising faster responses to distress calls and urging community intelligence-sharing, while also assuring the temporary site for the new 83 Division will be ready within two weeks. Kogi Rights and Infrastructure: Kogi’s governor bans night arrests, stressing due process, and the state executive council praises Tinubu’s reconstruction of the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Benin highway while approving farm input support. Benin Health Tech: Benin is rolling out a Korean AI malaria diagnostic system into its national programme after procurement and local clinical results. Electricity Debt: Nigeria’s international customers in Benin and Togo are reported to owe about $28.33m for ancillary electricity services. Trade Numbers: Nigeria’s external merchandise trade rose to ₦41.44tn in Q2 2026, with crude oil leading exports and a ₦12.60tn surplus.

Edo Security Push: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo vowed to protect every life in the state, promising security agencies will respond to threats within five minutes and warning against night raids and illegal arrests. Health Regulation: Edo State’s health regulator shut Jess Royal Hospital in Benin City for operating over 10 years without statutory registration. Road Accountability: ANEEJ demanded transparency and a refund of over ₦14bn allegedly paid for the Benin–Asaba road, after claims that only about 40% of work was completed. Malaria Tech in Benin: Benin is rolling out a Korean-developed AI malaria diagnostic system (miLab MAL) into its national malaria program after a local clinical evaluation. Royal Affairs: The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, indefinitely suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers and stripped their leader of her title over an alleged breach of palace tradition. Sports (Falconets): Nigeria’s Falconets begin their Olympic qualifying campaign against Spain, with coach Moses Aduku urging a “Cup final” mindset.