AGP Executive Report

Sahel Security: Mali’s army says insurgents carried out attacks in five locations early Saturday, including Anefis and Aguelhoc in the north, Gao and Sevare in central Mali, and Kenioroba south of Bamako, with a Tuareg-led group claiming involvement. Regional Terror Finance & Networks: Analysts warn Islamic State affiliates are shifting from isolated operations to a more integrated regional network, raising pressure on Sahel states including Niger. Power & Trade Flows: Niger, Togo and Benin reportedly owe Nigeria about N17.45bn for electricity supplied in 2026 Q1, with low payment rates worsening liquidity in the power sector. Niger Environment & Compliance: Niamey is cracking down on plastic pollution, giving supermarkets six months to eliminate plastic carrier bags and setting prison terms and fines for offenders. Niger Investment Push: Niger State hands 500 hectares to Abuja Steel Mills/AIG for a solar farm and industrial park, aiming to attract investment and jobs. Tech & Skills: Google Play launches an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, committing $1m to support small studios across 32 countries. Education Spending Benchmark: Kano tops ECOWAS education spending rankings in a University of Paris index, highlighting how budget execution can translate into measurable outcomes. ICC Exit Process: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger begin formal withdrawal from the ICC, deepening their break with Western institutions.

Sahel Security Watch: A new analysis warns the Islamic State is shifting from scattered local insurgencies to a more integrated Africa network, with growing convergence between the Sahel branch and ISWAP—raising the stakes for governments across the Mali-Burkina Faso-Niger and Lake Chad corridors. Border Defence & Mining: Nigeria says it’s strengthening military cooperation with Benin and Niger via a new joint security zone to stop militant infiltration, while also flagging illegal mining as a key funding source for armed groups. US-Nigeria Military Update: The US has withdrawn most troops deployed for Lake Chad counterterrorism but will keep intelligence sharing and partnership support. ECOWAS Integration Push: Tinubu urges ECOWAS to move from a consumer market to a production-driven bloc to power industrialisation and intra-regional trade. Niger State Investment: Niger’s government hands 500 hectares to AIG’s Abuja Steel Mills for a solar farm and industrial park, aiming to attract investors and create jobs. Niamey Plastic Crackdown: Niamey gives supermarkets six months to phase out plastic carrier bags, with prison and fines for offenders. Tech & Jobs: Google Play launches a $1m Indie Games Fund for Africa to back small studios with equity-free capital, mentorship and technical support. Terrorism Justice: Nigeria reports 1,721 terrorism convictions under its mass trial programme since 2017. Education Spotlight (Kano): Kano tops ECOWAS sub-national education spending rankings after a state education emergency, citing higher budget execution and school investment.

ECOWAS Economic Push: President Tinubu urged ECOWAS to shift from a consumer market to a production-driven bloc to power industrialisation and intra-regional trade, warning that dependence on imports keeps the region exposed. Niamey Environment Crackdown: Niger’s capital is enforcing a ban on plastic carrier bags, giving supermarkets six months to clear existing stocks and setting prison terms and per-bag fines for offenders. Niger Solar & Industry Land Deal: Niger State handed 500 hectares to Abuja Steel Mills (AIG) for a solar farm and industrial park, positioning the project to attract investment and create jobs. Digital Governance Support: The UK expanded its digital partnership with Nigeria under the SPRIRET programme, targeting state-level reforms (including Niger State) to unlock broadband investment and improve digital inclusion. Sahel Justice Rift: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have begun the legal process to withdraw from the ICC, with withdrawal taking effect one year after formal notice. Security & Courts: Nigeria says it secured 1,721 terrorism convictions since 2017 through a mass trial programme, while Niger also faces heightened rights pressure amid arrests under its new anti-LGBTQ law.

Corporate Appointments: Deloitte named Togolese chartered accountant Kodjo Akpatigbe to lead its Togo and Benin operations, signalling a push for stronger compliance and governance across WAEMU markets. Governance & Fraud: Nigeria’s Presidency is facing fresh scrutiny over a “fake agency” scandal tied to Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, while Femi Falana says the matter needs an independent probe. Counterterror Justice: Nigeria says its Mass Trial Programme has secured 1,721 terrorism convictions since 2017, with 865 convictions in 2026 alone. Digital Economy: The UK expanded its Nigeria digital partnership under SPRIRET, targeting regulatory reforms and investment in broadband and digital services across states including Niger. Human Rights & Business Risk: Niger’s anti-LGBTQ crackdown has triggered arrests and disrupted HIV services, raising concerns for social stability and operating conditions. Security & Local Economy: Reports of deadly ethnic clashes in Niger State and warnings that illegal mining is fuelling insecurity highlight how violence can disrupt trade, farming and investment. Finance Sector Cleanup: Nigeria’s NDIC warned the public off 46 revoked microfinance banks, now under NDIC liquidation. Climate & Flood Preparedness: Nigeria urged immediate flood readiness as rainfall patterns shift, with recent flooding already disrupting power and livelihoods.

Investment & Jobs Push (Jigawa): Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi opened J-INVEST 2026 in Dutse, unveiling a ₦902bn investment-driven budget and urging investors to move from promises to bankable projects across agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare and infrastructure. Business Climate (Federal): Vice President Kashim Shettima said Tinubu’s reforms—via PEBEC, the Business Facilitation Act and FX liberalisation—are cutting the cost and time of starting businesses and improving transparency. Finance Sector Tightening: Nigeria’s NDIC warned the public after the CBN revoked licences of 46 microfinance banks, saying affected institutions are no longer authorised to operate and NDIC will oversee orderly liquidation. Security & Public Safety: Defence Headquarters launched toll-free emergency line 193 and said troops neutralised 662 terrorists and criminal elements in Q2 2026. Flood Preparedness: FG urged immediate preparations for possible flooding as climate change is shifting rainfall patterns toward heavier downpours. Mining & Insecurity Link: Experts warned illegal mining is financing insecurity by funding weapons and logistics, calling for miner registration and stronger enforcement.

Financial Sector Crackdown: Nigeria’s NDIC says 46 microfinance banks have had licences revoked by the CBN and are no longer authorised to operate, with NDIC appointed as official liquidator to wind them down and protect depositors. Investment & Business Climate: Vice President Kashim Shettima tells investors that Tinubu’s reforms—via PEBEC and the Business Facilitation Act—are cutting the cost and time of starting businesses, unifying FX and improving transparency, as Jigawa hosts its 2026 investment summit. Governance & Fraud Allegations: The Presidency accuses a man of using forged documents to open a CBN account for a “fictitious” agency, after complaints that a non-existent body was operating against the interests of legitimate investment promotion efforts. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: Nigeria’s FEC approves major funding—$1.2bn for Sokoto–Badagry highway (Section Two) and $160m for rural solar in Niger State—alongside broader transport and power support aimed at lowering costs and expanding access. Digital Connectivity Costs: NCC reports progress on Right of Way charges for fibre rollout, with 13 states fully waiving fees and 16 adopting N145 per linear metre, pushing down deployment barriers for telecom operators. Security & Public Safety: Defence HQ launches toll-free line 193 for security tips as it reports neutralising 662 terrorists and criminals in Q2 2026; in Kano, a suspicious large-scale petrol loading into jerrycans raises diversion concerns. Niger Focus—Legal & Rights: Reports say Niger is seeing a “witch-hunt” after arrests tied to the new penal code criminalising same-sex relations, disrupting HIV services and pushing LGBTQ+ communities into hiding. Sahel Climate Resilience: Nigeria urges immediate flood preparedness, warning climate change is intensifying rainfall and overwhelming drainage systems.

Niger Liquor Licensing Board Crackdown: Niger State’s liquor regulator has disowned forged receipts circulating among vendors, warning “saboteurs” are trying to tarnish its reputation and claiming reforms now block revenue leakages through dedicated payment accounts. Regional Security & Human Mobility: Ghana’s Aflao immigration says it intercepted and removed over 1,005 irregular migrants from Nigeria and Niger, with many women and children allegedly trafficked for exploitation. Sahel Flood Preparedness: Niger’s disaster agency NEMA warns of high flood risk in five Kwara LGAs after heavy downpours, stressing impacts on agriculture, transport, energy, water and health. Nigerien Media & Skills: The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reaffirmed practical journalism training for Mass Communication students during a newsroom visit by IBBU Lapai. Business & Infrastructure Finance (Nigeria): Nigeria’s FEC approved about $2.96bn, €200m and ₦215bn for transport, agriculture, power, infrastructure and MSMEs, including CNG buses and a Niger State rural solar package. Energy/Mining Context for Niger: Coverage highlights Niger’s wider Sahel investment and security backdrop alongside regional critical-minerals and energy transition narratives.

Infrastructure & Energy Finance: Nigeria’s FEC approved financing worth about $2.96bn, €200m and ₦215bn for transport, agriculture, power, infrastructure and MSMEs, including ₦215bn to expand the Presidential CNG push (CNG buses, EVs, tricycles and conversion centres), $900m for agro value-chain and training, $160m rural solar for Niger State, and $1.2bn for the Sokoto–Badagry highway. Fuel Pricing Pressure: Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said government is engaging oil marketers to ensure crude price drops show up fairly at the pump, while regulators (FCCPC and NMDPRA) pursue compliance under the Petroleum Industry Act. Security & Business Risk: Niger’s junta faces fresh jihadist pressure after major attacks on key bases and the Diori Hamani airport perimeter, underscoring instability costs for trade and investment. Governance & Revenue Integrity: Niger State Liquor Licensing Board disowned forged receipts circulating among vendors, warning saboteurs as it tightens remittance tracking. Cross-Border Migration: Ghana’s Aflao Immigration removed 1,005 irregular migrants (many women and children) linked to exploitation routes from Nigeria and Niger. Power Reliability: Lagos residents reported widespread blackouts after EKEDP lost national grid supply. Anti-Corruption Watch: SERAP issued a 7-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s National Assembly over alleged diversion of over ₦6.3bn constituency funds.

Federal Finance & Economy: Nigeria’s FEC approved financing packages of $2.96bn, €200m and ₦215bn for transport, agriculture, power, infrastructure and MSMEs under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including ₦215bn to complete the Presidential CNG initiative (CNG buses, EVs, tricycles and conversion centres). Fuel Price Pressure: Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele said marketers are slow to cut pump prices when crude falls because of higher-cost inventories, while regulators (FCCPC and NMDPRA) are pushing for fairer pass-through under the Petroleum Industry Act. Power & Energy: Eko Electricity reported a major Lagos blackout after losing supply from the national grid, while the wider push for solar mini-grids continues. Agriculture & Food Security: A new warning says farmers face a tough planting season as insecurity, higher costs and delayed support squeeze production. Governance & Accountability: SERAP issued a seven-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s National Assembly leadership over alleged diversion of ₦6.3bn constituency funds, urging referral to anti-corruption agencies. Niger State Business/Community: Niger State flagged rising drug abuse and said NDLEA staffing is inadequate to cover hotspots. Regional Trade/Logistics: Traders in Onitsha are increasingly looking for warehouses along the Second Niger Bridge corridor to ease congestion and speed cargo movement.

Fuel Pricing & Competition: Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele says marketers are slow to cut Premium Motor Spirit prices because they must clear inventories bought at higher costs, while FCCPC and NMDPRA work to curb alleged exploitation. Economic Boost by FEC: The Federal Executive Council approved major financing across transport, agriculture, power, infrastructure and MSMEs, including N215bn for the CNG initiative to support buses, electric vehicles, tricycles and conversion centres. Power Reliability: Eko Electricity Distribution Plc reported a grid-linked blackout across Lagos after losing national grid supply, while TCN scheduled maintenance that will trigger temporary outages in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi and Yobe (and Gazaoua in Niger Republic). Governance & Public Funds: SERAP issued a seven-day ultimatum to Nigeria’s National Assembly leadership over alleged diversion and non-accounting of over ₦6.3bn constituency funds, warning of legal action and prosecution. Security & Business Disruption: A deadly incident involving an armed scrap scavenger sparked riots and a shutdown of key movement corridors in Abuja’s Zuba/Dei-Dei area, disrupting trade flows. Niger State Social Risk: Niger State flagged rising drug abuse, citing manpower gaps at NDLEA and calling for community anti-drug task forces. Cybercrime Crackdown: Kebbi launched a crackdown on the “Yan Vocal” cybercrime syndicate accused of hacking and extortion. Energy Transition in Niger: Renewables coverage highlights Niger State’s handover of land for a 200MW solar project aimed at powering Abuja Steel Mills and supporting industrial growth.

Maritime Trade & Competitiveness: Togo’s Port of Lomé has risen into West Africa’s key transshipment hub, driven by deep-water access and sustained port modernization—offering Nigeria a playbook on how policy and investment can turn geography into trade dominance. Anti-Corruption & Public Finance: SERAP has urged Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to refer allegations of ₦6.3bn constituency project fund diversion to anti-corruption agencies within seven days, demanding contractor and beneficial-owner disclosures and possible prosecutions. Security, Mining & Food Prices: An investigative report claims Nigeria’s insecurity in mineral-rich states is linked to economic interests controlling solid minerals, estimating losses of about $9bn annually from illegal mining and gold smuggling while worsening food inflation. Energy & Business Continuity: TCN scheduled grid maintenance that will trigger temporary power outages in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi and Yobe, with spillover to Gazaoua in Niger Republic—an operational risk for firms. Public Health & Youth: Niger State flagged rising drug abuse, citing manpower gaps at NDLEA and calling for community anti-drug task forces. Governance & Accountability: A DSS review ordered the release of Kaduna farmer Nura Idris, cleared of Boko Haram links, with N3m compensation—highlighting due-process failures and costs.

Governance & Accountability: SERAP has given Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas seven days to refer alleged diversion of ₦6.3bn constituency project funds to anti-corruption agencies, warning of legal action if they fail. Power & Infrastructure: TCN says scheduled maintenance at the Kumbotso 330kV substation will trigger a temporary outage in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe and Gazaoua (Niger Republic). Security & Justice: DSS ordered the release of Kaduna farmer/livestock rearer Nura Idris, cleared of Boko Haram links, and approved ₦3m compensation plus support to rebuild his business. Cybercrime Crackdown (Kebbi): Kebbi State vows to dismantle the “Yan Vocal” syndicate, alleging social-media hacking, fake identities and extortion targeting victims across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Regional Business & Investment: Nigeria, the EU and ECOWAS met at a regional investment forum to map opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure and manufacturing. Humanitarian Funding: UN OCHA reports Nigeria received $247.3m in 2026 humanitarian funding so far, lifting coverage to 47% of needs.

Constituency Funds Probe: SERAP has urged Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to refer allegations of diversion or non-accounting of over ₦6.3bn in constituency project funds to anti-corruption agencies within seven days, warning of legal action if they fail to act. Power & Business Continuity: TCN says a scheduled upgrade at the Kumbotso 330kV substation will trigger a four-hour outage in Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe and also Gazaoua in Niger Republic, affecting electricity distribution and supply. Sahel Security & Diplomacy: Burkina Faso has severed diplomatic ties with France, accusing Paris of neo-colonial ambitions and backing destabilising armed groups—deepening the Sahel’s shift toward the AES bloc. AES Coordination: The Alliance of Sahel States (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) held talks in Ouagadougou to align security, economic integration and a unified diplomatic position ahead of ECOWAS engagement. Wrongful Detention & Reintegration: Nigeria’s DSS released Kaduna farmer Nura Idris after clearing him of Boko Haram links, paying N3m compensation and pledging support to restart his livestock business. Humanitarian Funding: UN OCHA reports Nigeria received at least $247.3m in 2026 humanitarian funding so far, with coverage rising to 47% by late June. Carbon Pricing Reality Check: A new study challenges the assumption that carbon costs hit the poorest hardest, finding within-income differences can outweigh income gaps.

Regional Investment Push: Nigeria, the EU and ECOWAS met in a Regional Investment Forum to map new cross-border opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, technology and manufacturing, aiming at shared prosperity. Justice & Rights: Nigeria’s DSS ordered the release of Kaduna herder Nura Idris, cleared of Boko Haram links, and paid ₦3m compensation plus promised support to restart his livestock business. Sahel Security & Diplomacy: The AES bloc (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) held talks in Ouagadougou to align security, economic integration and diplomatic positions as Burkina Faso moves further away from France. Power & Business Continuity: TCN scheduled grid maintenance at the Kumbotso 330kV substation, triggering a 4-hour outage in parts of Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe and Gazaoua (Niger Republic). Sports Integrity: Nigeria’s Horse Racing Federation partnered with NDLEA to tighten anti-doping checks for jockeys during the Kano Derby. Drug Enforcement: NDLEA Niger Command reported seizing 10,127.84kg of illicit drugs and securing 173 convictions since 2025.

DSS Rights Reset: Nigeria’s DSS ordered the release of Nura Idris, a farmer wrongfully linked to Boko Haram, after an internal review found no evidence; he received N3m compensation and support to rebuild his business. Sahel Diplomacy Shock: Burkina Faso announced it is severing diplomatic ties with France, accusing Paris of neo-colonial ambitions and alleged interference in support for subversive networks and terrorism. Security & Justice in Focus (Niger): The UN urged Niger’s junta to free human rights defender Moussa Tiangari, calling his detention arbitrary and demanding reparations. Anti-Drug Push (Niger): Niger’s NDLEA command says it seized 10,127.84kg of illicit drugs and secured 173 convictions since 2025. Energy Disruption (Nigeria/Niger): TCN announced a planned blackout affecting Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe and Gazaoua (Niger Republic) for 330kV upgrade works. Power & Industry Angle: Niger and Nigeria’s clean-energy momentum continues as CISCE highlights China’s clean supply chain and AI-enabled energy systems. Mining Enforcement (Niger State): NSCDC Mining Marshals sealed seven suspected illegal mineral buying/processing centres in Kontagora and arrested four suspects. Local Governance & Accountability: Fresh allegations in Kaduna North question the whereabouts and distribution of constituency empowerment items, prompting an ICPC petition.

Sahel Diplomacy: Burkina Faso severed diplomatic ties with France, accusing Paris of “neocolonial” interference and subversive support—an escalation that could reshape regional security and business sentiment. Human Rights & Media: The UN urged Niger’s junta to free human rights defender Moussa Tiangari, while Mali faced renewed criticism over journalist arrests and broadcast suspensions under cybercrime pressure. Public Safety & Drugs: Niger’s NDLEA command said it seized 10,127.84kg of illicit drugs and secured 173 convictions since 2025, underscoring enforcement priorities. Flood Readiness: NEMA convened Niger stakeholders to assess preparedness for the 2026 flood season, including coordination and emergency operations readiness. Energy & Power Ambitions: Coverage highlighted Africa’s push for small modular reactors (SMRs), with Niger among countries exploring nuclear plans, alongside broader clean-energy supply chain and grid modernization themes. Security & Local Economy: Reports from Niger State flagged illegal mineral buying crackdowns, while wider Sahel peace efforts stressed youth and women’s economic empowerment as a stabilizer.