Inflation Watch (Nigeria): Nigeria’s headline inflation eased to 15.91% in June 2026 (from 15.93% in May), but food inflation stayed hot at 17.52% year-on-year as staples like tomatoes, peppers, yam flour and potatoes pushed monthly food prices up to 3.75%. Food vs. Overall Prices (Nigeria): Core inflation also eased to 15.92% year-on-year, yet the report flags sharp state differences, with Niger State among the highest inflation areas. Education & Business Climate (Niger State): Niger State banned graduation ceremonies in private schools, ordering Speech and Prize-Giving events instead—aimed at cutting costs and curbing “lavish” rivalries. Banking & Investment Signals (Niger State): Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago commissioned a Zenith Bank branch in Minna, framing it as proof of investor confidence and renewed ease-of-doing-business efforts. Customs Revenue Pressure (Nigeria): Nigeria Customs told the Senate that Import Duty Exemption Certificates hit about ₦34tn in 2025, with roughly 60% tied to military hardware—prompting Senate threats of sanctions for agencies missing hearings. Regional Energy Push (Africa): APPO NOC-CEO Forum in Cape Town (Oct 12) will focus on regional refining, gas markets and cross-border petroleum trade as African NOCs seek more local value retention. Sahel Politics & Sanctions: Coverage highlights how sanctions and “external enemy” narratives are being used across the Sahel, with Burundi and Mali/Burkina dynamics drawing attention. Fuel Logistics Concern (Ghana): Ghana’s BOST Bolgatanga depot is undergoing upgrades after reduced operations sparked fears of job losses and weaker fuel distribution for northern corridors, including trade links to Niger and Mali.