Public Finance & Food Security: Niger State lawmakers have approved Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s N20.4bn loan request to expand the Niger Food Security Systems and Logistics Company, backed by a UBA bank guarantee under the Saudi EXIM Line of Finance; the $14.45m facility runs 84 months with an 18-month grace period and will fund a 3,000-hectare irrigated farm estate in Paikoro. Security & Kidnapping: In Minna, a private security guard is accused of abducting two six-year-old children after taking them out for Sallah; police say the case has been referred to SCID. Crime & Trade Impact: A trader in Suleja, Niger State, was killed in a midnight attack as assailants broke into his home, stole valuables, and left one wife injured—another reminder of insecurity’s toll on local commerce. Regional Diplomacy: Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni made Niamey his first foreign stop, signaling a potential thaw after years of strained ties with Niger’s junta. Energy & Grid Reliability: TCN extended maintenance on the Jos-Bauchi-Gombe 330kV line through June 30 to complete OPGW works, with limited supply for some areas and full outages for others during daily work hours. Humanitarian Risk & Migration: An international NGO warns Libya’s trafficking networks still extort and detain Gambians, urging authorities to dismantle the system and release detainees. Business & Investment Signals: Savannah Energy reported $104.1m revenue in its first four months of 2026, with cash collections up 48% and trade receivables down 22%, driven by improved Nigerian operations.