Energy Infrastructure: Algeria’s SONATRACH has broken ground on its Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline segment, linking Nigeria’s gas through Niger to Algeria’s Hassi R’Mel, with the full 4,128-km project targeting 20–30 bcm annually and faster delivery by using existing road and gas corridors. Power & Local Economy: Electricity is gradually returning to Bida communities in Niger State after weeks of outage, following AEDC delivery of poles and cables and repairs on the Barrack Feeders network—bringing relief to businesses and public services. Sahel Security & Regional Politics: Burkina Faso and Mali boycotted Nigeria-hosted Pan-African defence chiefs talks in Abuja, underscoring rifts after the AES exit from ECOWAS; Niger sent a defence attaché while Nigeria’s CDS pushed for African-led security cooperation. Education Under Threat: Schools in parts of Nigeria closed early amid bandit fears after attacks on Iluke (Kogi) and rumours of invasion in Niger State, with deaths reported and kidnappings concerns rising. Security Emergency Push: Atiku Abubakar and the Northern Elders Forum renewed calls for a national security emergency as civil society groups mobilise for June 12 protests over insecurity, hunger and hardship. Trade & Export Finance: Nigeria is urging exporters to use a $1bn AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Credit Facility to scale production and competitiveness under the free trade push.