AGP Executive Report

Benin-Asaba Road Crisis: Nigeria’s Presidency says the Benin–Agbor–Asaba expressway failure is an “isolated case” caused by a contractor’s unprofessional work, as Works Minister David Umahi inspected the corridor, apologised to commuters, and ordered the arrest of contractors removing asphalt without proper drainage. Local Fix Options: Umahi also pushed for possible concession termination, while offering three paths forward—keep the right to toll after federal works, end the concession, or bring in a new competent contractor under federal design and supervision. Niger State Kidnappings: In Borgu, Niger State, attacks during Juma’at prayers left about 30 dead and over 60 abducted, with reports of up to 500–600 captives; the NSCIA and Northern senators urged a full rescue and prosecution. Security Response: Tinubu ordered a coordinated national manhunt after forest captivity videos surfaced. NDDC Road Intervention: NDDC and Works Ministry began urgent rehabilitation checks on Benin–Sapele–Warri and Benin–Agbor roads. Business & Tech: MTN announced leadership changes and progress on its IHS Towers buyout, while Dangote plans its own shipping fleet to cut export bottlenecks.

Benin-Agbor-Asaba Road Crisis: Nigeria’s Presidency and Works Minister David Umahi traded blame and orders as motorists reported days of gridlock on the Benin-Agbor-Asaba expressway; Sunday Dare said the contractor failed to meet obligations, while Umahi urged the concessionaire to quit the site and ordered the arrest of contractors removing asphalt without approval. NDDC, Works Move to Repair: The NDDC, Ministry of Works, Edo State and other stakeholders launched urgent interventions to rehabilitate failed sections, including a 15-kilometer stretch on the Sapele-Benin corridor. Security Shock in Niger (Near Benin Border): President Tinubu ordered a national manhunt after armed gunmen abducted hundreds during mosque attacks in Borgu, with the NSCIA demanding rescue of captives and prosecution of terrorists. Dangote Turns to Shipping: Dangote Cement says it will acquire vessels after struggling to secure shipping capacity and facing costly road transit through Benin and Togo. Health Update: A study across Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda links hospital training and quality support to fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths in the first 24 hours. Economy Watch: Nigeria ranked 56th among the world’s poorest by GDP-PPP per capita in 2026, underscoring worsening living standards.

Benin-Agbor-Asaba Road Crisis: Nigeria’s President Tinubu ordered an urgent rescue of abductees in Niger State and, closer to home, directed the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently redesign and reconstruct the Benin–Agbor–Asaba corridor after days of gridlock and hardship; Works Minister David Umahi inspected the road in Benin City, apologised to commuters, and ordered the arrest of contractors/concessionaires accused of removing asphalt without authorisation and failing to build proper drainage. Accountability on Federal Roads: Umahi also criticised the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) for “woeful” performance and promised immediate remedial works while pushing for permanent fixes. Economic Pressure: Nigeria slipped to 56th among the world’s 60 poorest countries in a 2026 GDP-PPP per capita ranking, with 63% of Nigerians still living below the poverty line. Health Push: NICRAT says a proposed N302.3bn National Cancer Institute will cut medical tourism and train oncology experts across Africa. Security Financing Warning: A security analyst warned terrorists are using social media and remittance platforms to solicit and move funds, urging Nigerians to do due diligence before donating online. Workplace Malaria Gap: A West Africa survey found 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, calling for stronger private-sector action.

Mass Kidnapping Response: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu ordered an immediate rescue operation after gunmen attacked a mosque in Niger State, with a circulating video claiming about 600 abducted women, children and older people; officials also report deaths from the raid and say families are trying to identify captives. Road Crisis in Edo/Delta: A civic group MonITNG calls the Benin–Agbor Bypass and Benin–Sapele–Warri Road a “death trap” over muddy, damaged stretches and hours-long gridlock, while Minister of Works David Umahi has moved to inspect and intervene after protests and commuter hardship. Edo Governance Tension: Edo’s new Assembly leadership dismissed concerns over amendments to financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary, after earlier worker protests. Health & Social Support: Edo says 10 people rehabilitated in approved herbal healing homes are ready for discharge and reunification following monitoring and assessment. Workplace Malaria Gap: A survey for World Mosquito Day finds 62% of West African workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, urging stronger private-sector action. Culture & Heritage: The Alaafin of Oyo inaugurated a 37-member committee for the Oyo Empire Day celebration, focused on preserving Yoruba heritage.

Benin-Asaba Road Crisis: Works Minister Dave Umahi says he’ll inspect the deteriorating Benin-Asaba Road Tuesday, blaming a concessionaire that removed over 30km of asphalt and left, and promising talks with independent engineers, ministry lawyers, the concessionaire and Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo. Road Suffering on the Ground: Reports show travellers stranded for days on the Benin-Agbor bypass despite billions spent, with some resorting to bush escape routes during gridlock. ECOWAS Security Push: ECOWAS is preparing to deploy a regional stabilisation force in 2027, with equipment being readied in Freetown and Nigeria credited for leadership support. Niger Attacks and Abductions: In Borgu, Niger State, gunmen abducted dozens from mosques during Juma’at prayers in Dekara and nearby communities, later circulating videos of captives; Nigeria’s Army has launched a rescue operation. Electricity Lifeline: Nigeria’s DisCos remain under pressure as electricity subsidy support keeps most firms on “life support,” while NISO says the sector is being optimised for domestic use and exports. Eid Closure: IOM Nigeria will close migration health assessment centres in Abuja, Lagos and Benin City on Aug. 25 for Eid el-Maulud, resuming Aug. 26. Sports: Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie returns to Bendel Insurance for 2026/27, aiming for more silverware.

2027 Election Buzz: Prophet Samuel Issa says Tinubu will win re-election in 2027, urging Nigerians to pray for God’s mercy as APC campaign structures take shape. Roads & Daily Life: Traders and travellers remain stranded after flooding and gridlock hit key routes, including the Benin-Ore corridor, with people even carving escape paths through bushes. Security in the Sahel: Niger reports deadly attacks on gendarmes and kidnappings of worshippers during Juma’at prayers, underscoring worsening violence near the Nigeria-Benin border. Health & Policy: ECOWAS tax officials meet in Conakry to push tobacco excise harmonisation aimed at protecting lives while boosting revenue. Tech & Finance: MTN completes cloud-native migration of MoMo with Ericsson, promising faster transactions as fintech expands across Africa. Energy & Business: NUPRC warns 31 companies to pay signature bonuses or lose 37 oil block awards; NSIB flags safety lapses after Enugu Air’s runway overrun at Benin airport. Drugs Crackdown: NDLEA seizes N4.4bn worth of Loud at Lagos ports and arrests a 101-year-old woman over skunk sales. Edo Politics: Owan stakeholders condemn the “forced” resignation of Edo Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, alleging marginalisation.

Fuel Subsidy Showdown: Kebbi APC chieftain Aminullah Mustapha says Atiku’s plan to restore petrol subsidy would revive corruption, citing diversion of funds and tankers allegedly ending up in Niger and Benin. Governance & Fraud: ICPC is probing a “phantom” National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria office inside the OSGF, after President Tinubu ordered arrests and suspensions over the fictitious agency. Security Crisis: Terrorists abducted dozens of worshippers during Juma’at prayers in Niger State, while in southwest Niger armed attackers killed 18 gendarmes (and AFP reports 15 police officers killed) near the Nigeria-Benin border. Drugs at Ports: NDLEA seized N4.4bn worth of Loud at Apapa and Lekki and arrested a 101-year-old woman for drug dealing, with cocaine allegedly hidden in fufu also reported. Edo Local Politics: Owan stakeholders and an Edo education commissioner pledge new direction after the Edo Assembly speaker resignation controversy. Aviation Safety (Benin Airport): NSIB flagged runway-end environment, control tower visibility and meteorological info issues after the Enugu Air runway overrun at Benin airport.

NDLEA Crackdown: NDLEA says it arrested a 101-year-old woman, Esther Ogunmabo, in Ilisan, Ogun State, over 90g of skunk, and ordered bail plus counselling due to her age; her daughter was also arrested. Port & Border Seizures: The agency also reports cocaine hidden in “fufu” and major Loud (synthetic cannabis) seizures worth over ₦4.4bn at Lagos ports. Edo Politics: Owan stakeholders and an Edo political activist condemned the “forced” resignation of former Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, while the new Speaker, Yekini Idaiye, and Education Commissioner Washington Osifo pledged closer cooperation to push education reforms. Aviation Safety (Benin Airport): NSIB’s preliminary Enugu Air runway overrun report points to runway-end environment, control tower visibility, and meteorological info gaps at Benin airport, with safety recommendations to aviation agencies. Security & Rights: NBA Benin warns against any move to repeal Edo Assembly and Judiciary autonomy, saying it could weaken democracy and rule of law. Culture & Community: Ibeno traditional rulers urged Seplat’s new CEO to prioritise host community relations. Entertainment Flashpoint: Edo officials and Davido’s camp trade blows over claims the singer is barred from performing in the state.

Edo State Politics: Edo’s government has denied reports that Afrobeats star Davido was banned from entering or performing in the state, after the governor’s digital media aide threatened a hostile reception; the information commissioner says Davido remains welcome. Aviation Safety: Nigeria’s Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says an Enugu Air runway overrun at Benin’s Oba Akenzua II Airport involved wet runway conditions, tailwind, and safety lapses, issuing four fresh recommendations to aviation agencies. Security in the Region: Armed men in Niger State attacked Borgu communities after Friday prayers, kidnapping dozens of worshippers and killing some, with authorities deploying joint teams amid difficult terrain. Fuel Subsidy Debate: ADC chieftain Ken Imansuagbon backs Atiku’s plan to restore a targeted petrol subsidy for 2027, arguing Tinubu’s removal worsened hardship. Governance & Rights: The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Benin Branch warns against moves to repeal Edo’s House of Assembly and Judiciary autonomy law, saying it would undermine constitutional independence. Health & Substance Abuse: Edo accuses some pharmacists and health workers of fuelling drug abuse, as UBTH inaugurates a drug testing centre and pushes workplace screening. Culture & Diplomacy: Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni attended an AU extraordinary session in Luanda on conflict prevention and flagged a September investment salon with a project pipeline worth about $3bn.

Benin Presidency & AU Diplomacy: President Romuald Wadagni is in Luanda for the AU’s extraordinary session on conflict prevention, urging stronger Benin participation in West African mediation and resolution efforts, with Angola sharing its experience. Edo Governance & Culture: Edo State denied reports of banning Davido, after an aide claimed the singer would not perform during Governor Okpebholo’s tenure; the government says Davido remains welcome. Edo Health Systems: EDOHIC is training health providers ahead of a September 1 go-live for its Online Portal Version 1.0 to automate enrolment, authorisations, referrals and claims. Edo Institutions & Rights: The NBA Benin Branch warned that moves to repeal Edo’s House of Assembly and Judiciary autonomy law could weaken democracy and judicial independence. Security in the Region: In Nigeria’s Niger State, armed men attacked a mosque and nearby villages during Friday prayers, kidnapping dozens and killing some worshippers, as security teams move in. Aviation Safety (Benin): NSIB issued fresh safety concerns after an Enugu Air runway overrun at Benin airport, recommending fixes to runway-end environment and meteorological information. Media Workers: NUJ Edo called for a Weigh-in Allowance for public-service media staff to reflect irregular working hours.

Edo Security Assurance: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo told Nigerian diaspora nurses in Benin City that Nigeria remains safe despite security challenges, adding that Edo will be safer in the coming months and urging visitors to notify the new Edo Diaspora Agency. Aviation Safety: The NSIB raised fresh concerns after an Enugu Air runway overrun at Benin airport, citing issues around runway-end environment, control tower line of sight and meteorological information, and issued four safety recommendations. Health Insurance Digital Push: EDOHIC is training healthcare providers ahead of September 1 for the Online Portal Version 1.0, aiming to automate enrolment, authorisations, referrals and claims. Pensioners’ Protest: NEPA/PHCN retirees in Edo protested alleged 25-year unpaid pensions and gratuities, claiming arrears exceed N350bn and urging PTAD to pay. Davido Ban Row: Edo denied banning Afrobeats star Davido after an aide claimed he was barred from performing in the state, saying the singer remains welcome. Business & Jobs: Guinness Nigeria reported H1 2026 profit up 53% to N25.3bn and cut net debt nearly in half, signaling a stronger balance sheet and continued investment. Regional Security Diplomacy: Russia and Ghana backed measures to normalize ties between ECOWAS and the AES amid ongoing Sahel security pressures.

Edo Entertainment Clash: Edo State has declared Afrobeats star Davido barred from performing in the state for the rest of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s tenure after a public fight over leaked WAEC results, with the governor’s aide warning of hostile reception if he returns. Benin City Governance & Culture: A committee led by Adams Oshiomhole has recommended the Museum of West African Art project be returned to the Oba of Benin for management, arguing monarchy-led ownership better protects cultural heritage. Press Freedom in Benin: Beninese cyberactivist Steve Amoussou was released after serving a two-year sentence tied to alleged politically motivated insult and false information linked to a critical Facebook page. Health & Safety: UBTH in Benin City unveiled the South-South’s first drug testing centre, pushing alcohol and substance screening as prevention. Energy & Business: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed Mobile Money migration across several markets, with discussions to bring Benin onto the same upgrade path. Aviation Growth: AFRAA admitted Enugu Air as its 50th member, boosting domestic connectivity.

Edo Politics: The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned the new Edo Assembly Speaker, Yekini Idiaye, against any move to repeal or amend the Edo House of Assembly and Judiciary Autonomy Law, saying it would undermine the independence of the legislature and judiciary. Edo Infrastructure: Frustrated passengers have protested the deplorable Benin City Bypass, alleging the federal government prioritises other road projects while the bypass remains gridlocked and unsafe. Health in Edo: UBTH in Benin City has opened the South-South’s first drug testing centre to screen for substances and curb substance abuse, linking it to road accidents, violence and broken families. Child Health: A report highlights how malnutrition and misinformed beliefs are driving widespread stunting in Benin, affecting over 30% of children under five. Energy & Investment: Edo Governor Okpebholo commissioned the Gbelebu Mini Solar Grid, urging investors to partner with the state under its SHINE agenda. Oil & Gas: NUPRC says winners of 2025 licensing rounds must meet post-award obligations, including signature bonus payments, within strict deadlines. Education Funding: President Tinubu directed legally cleared EFCC recoveries and other unclaimed funds into NELFUND to expand tertiary education financing. Global Culture: Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo became the first Black African to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Roads & Transport: Protesters took to the Benin-Agbor Bypass over worsening conditions, saying “we no dey collect money” and demanding urgent repairs, as Edo also moves to rehabilitate the failed Okhun Road in Benin City. Health: UBTH opened the South-South’s first drug testing centre to screen for substance abuse, while Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council approved decriminalising attempted suicide to shift cases from punishment to care and support. Education Finance: President Tinubu ordered EFCC-recovered liquid looted funds, plus unclaimed dividends and dormant accounts, channelled to NELFUND—excluding seized assets and money still tied to court cases. Culture & Heritage: Angélique Kidjo made history as the first Black African to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and restitution efforts continue around Benin’s royal treasures. Business & Tech: PICKAH is building a digital platform to streamline last-mile deliveries in Benin City, and Miskay Boutique redeemed ₦824.2m commercial paper at maturity. Media & Rights: Togo detained two French filmmakers and their fixer in pre-trial detention, with rights groups calling for their release.

EFCC to NELFUND: President Tinubu directed that legally cleared EFCC recoveries plus unclaimed dividends and dormant-account funds be channelled to Nigeria’s Education Loan Fund, with only liquid monies cleared of legal challenges eligible. Edo Roads Watch: Edo begins repairs on failed roads and has approved rehabilitation for the Okhun Road after residents’ complaints, while officials say contractors will complete projects within the governor’s tenure. Edo Justice & Crime: Police paraded a man accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old in Benin City, alongside other suspects including those linked to vandalism at AIT. Hollywood for Benin: Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo became the first Black African to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrated by major film and music figures. Digital GBV in Edo: Edo unveiled a policy framework to tackle technology-facilitated gender-based violence, focusing on prevention, reporting, protection and accountability. Health Outreach: A foundation extended free healthcare screenings and drugs to an Abuja community, reaching hundreds of beneficiaries. Capital Markets: Miskay Boutique fully redeemed ₦824.2m commercial paper, reinforcing its 2026 capital-market track record. Regional Security Scam Bust: NSCDC in Cross River rescued 42 people and arrested a foreign job-scam syndicate, including victims from Nigeria, Cameroon and Benin Republic.

Education Funding Push: President Tinubu has ordered legally cleared EFCC recoveries, plus unclaimed dividends and dormant account funds, transferred to NELFUND to boost student support—while funds still in legal dispute will not be moved. Anti-Fraud Crackdown: EFCC declared two directors of Oasis Vivacity Global Limited wanted over alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and fraudulent diversion, urging tips via multiple offices including Benin. Health (Breastfeeding): UBTH urged sustained breastfeeding education and support during 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, citing ongoing mother-to-mother guidance and the need for continued sensitisation. Edo Youth & Safety: Edo unveiled a policy framework to tackle technology-facilitated GBV, and also announced arrests over alleged TikTok-linked kidnapping and defilement cases. Culture & Pride: Beninese icon Angélique Kidjo made history as the first Black African to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, with Benin’s President hailing the global spotlight on national culture. Tech & Youth Development: Edo launched the Youth 2.0 Impact Forum, urging young people to harness technology and offering grants for youth-led ventures. Business/Trade: Court bailiffs and armed police stormed the NEPC Benin office to seize equipment over a N10m judgment.