AGP Executive Report

Cross-Border Trade & Security: Niger is turning to Nigerian ports as a Benin border dispute disrupts key routes, with Nigerien customs asking for tighter Nigeria–Niger cooperation to keep legitimate trade moving. Power Costs & Policy: Nigeria’s electricity subsidy bill hit N1.928tn in 2025, driven by frozen end-user tariffs versus cost-reflective rates—raising pressure on budgets and DisCos’ finances. Digital Economy: Meta will start charging Nigerian businesses from Oct. 1, 2026 for WhatsApp Business messages (about ₦14 per chargeable service message), reshaping customer-support and marketing costs. Infrastructure Accountability: Works Minister David Umahi ordered the arrest of Hartland Nigeria’s MD over alleged failure to complete a N14bn Benin–Onitsha Expressway segment. Energy & Investment Outlook: Africa’s energy investment gap—over $200bn a year by 2030—is drawing attention from global investors, but financing and infrastructure deficits remain a major risk. Local Business & Jobs: Edo’s deputy governor backed youth mobilisation toward 2.5m votes in 2027, while Seplat’s STEP plans to train 500 teachers in Edo. Governance & Courts: The Benin branch of Nigeria’s Bar Association vowed to challenge Edo’s amendment of financial autonomy laws, arguing it undermines judiciary independence.

Digital Governance & AI: La Francophonie launched its first Digital Governance Forum in Geneva, pushing a language-based approach to AI rules and digital sovereignty for Francophone Africa, including a shared governance framework that Benin helped adopt. Energy & Power Reliability: In Delta’s Asaba, residents accuse BEDC and local committees of leaving areas without power after repeated transformer repairs and demanding fresh levies; separately, NISO says recent Lagos/Abuja/northern supply cuts were driven by transmission outages and constraints, not generation shortages. Roads & Accountability: Works Minister David Umahi ordered the arrest of Hartland Nigeria’s MD over an incomplete N14bn Benin–Onitsha Expressway stretch, while federal and state actors move to rehabilitate failed Benin–Sapele corridor sections. Trade & Borders: Niger is rerouting trade through Nigerian ports amid a diplomatic dispute with Benin that disrupted key border routes. Business Costs: Meta will charge Nigerian businesses per WhatsApp message from Oct. 1, raising operating costs for banks, fintechs, telcos and retailers. Health & Jobs: UBTH says its cancer centre is fully operational for indigent patients via federal support, and Seplat/NEPL plans to train 500 teachers in Edo. Security & Economy: NDLEA reports major drug seizures and arrests, while Edo also saw 19 suspected illegal miners arrested—both with direct implications for local livelihoods and business risk.

Power & Grid Reliability: NISO says recent electricity allocation cuts to Lagos, Abuja and northern areas were driven by transmission line outages and network constraints—not generation shortages—while DisCos also face huge commercial losses, with unbilled electricity rising to N622.31bn in 2025 and cumulative unbilled value hitting N2.47tn (2020-2025). Cross-Border Energy Trade: Nigeria earned about N87.85bn from power exports to Niger, Togo and Benin in 2025, with remittance performance at 84.9%, underscoring regional demand despite domestic supply pressure. Roads & Concessions: Federal Works Minister David Umahi says the government is exploring legal options, including the “law of necessity,” to end or review the Benin-Asaba Road concession after prolonged deterioration and gridlock; meanwhile Delta’s Oborevwori hails NDDC’s reconstruction of a failed Benin-Sapele Expressway section. Local Business & Jobs: Seplat/NEPL JV will train 500 teachers in Edo under its STEP programme, while Edo’s First Lady office expands micro-business grants for women. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Togo seeks a consultant to audit the Lomé-Cotonou road resettlement plan, and Niger is increasingly routing trade through Nigerian ports amid Benin border disruptions. Governance & Legal Tension: Edo’s NBA branch vows to challenge amendments to the state’s Financial Autonomy Laws, arguing they undermine judiciary and legislature independence. Women in Business: Africa.com’s 2026 list spotlights women CEOs across Africa, led by Mary Vilakazi of FirstRand.

Electricity & Community Trust: Asaba residents in Delta accuse BEDC and a local transformer committee of leaving Fear God Street, Bonsaac without power despite “millions” contributed, while the committee chair says all funds went into a community bank account and denies extortion. Fuel Prices & Downstream Costs: Dangote Refinery’s latest PMS price hike is pushing depot rates toward N1,300 per litre and triggering fresh pump price increases across Nigeria. Power Sector Operations: NISO says recent cuts to Lagos, Abuja and northern supply were caused by transmission line outages and network constraints—not generation shortages—after faults forced temporary allocation adjustments. Cross-Border Power Payments: Nigeria’s power exports pulled in about N87.85bn in 2025 from Niger, Togo and Benin, with off-takers remitting $62.75m (84.9% performance). Roads & Concessions: FG is exploring legal steps, including the “law of necessity,” to end or revise the Benin-Asaba Road concession over prolonged deterioration; meanwhile NDDC has started reconstructing a failed 15.4km Benin-Sapele Expressway section. Education & CSR: Seplat/NEPL JV will train 500 teachers in Edo under its STEP programme, expanding a multi-state effort that has supported over 2,000 teachers. Trade Routes: Niger is leaning more on Nigerian ports as a Benin border dispute disrupts routes, with customs officials urging stronger Nigeria-Niger cooperation to keep trade moving.

Roads & Infrastructure: Nigeria is exploring legal options, including the “law of necessity,” to end the Buhari-era concession for the Benin–Asaba Road after prolonged deterioration and hardship for motorists. Regional Trade & Power: Nigeria received about N87.85bn from electricity tariff payments by international off-takers in Niger, Togo and Benin in 2025, with a reported 84.9% remittance rate. Road Works (Niger Delta): The NDDC has started reconstruction of a failed 15.4km section of the Benin–Sapele Expressway, with contractors working from both ends to speed completion. Electricity Governance: NERC says DisCos lost about N1.36tn in 2025 through billing and collection gaps, while NISO blamed recent allocation changes on transmission line outages. Business Education: NABTEB set Sept. 10 as the deadline for registration for its 2026 Nov/Dec certificate exams (with Dec modular trades closing Sept. 30). Human Capital & Safety: GPI launched a 12-month programme for 30 trafficking survivors in Edo, combining counselling and skills support. Cross-border Security: NDLEA seized Captagon and opioid tablets worth over ₦6.2bn at Lagos airport.

Education & Skills: NABTEB set Sept. 10 as the deadline for registration for its 2026 Nov/Dec certificate exams (NBC, NTC, ANBC, ANTC), with Dec modular trades registration running to Sept. 30; fees range from ₦6,000 to ₦25,500. Roads & Trade Logistics: Delta Senator Ede Dafinone backed emergency rehabilitation on failed sections of the Benin–Sapele–Effurun expressway, saying the works should ease daily costs for motorists, commuters and businesses. Cross-Border Security & Enforcement: NDLEA intercepted a ₦6.2bn Captagon (“Jihadi drug”) and opioid haul at Lagos airport, including 47,200 pills hidden in “Ghana soap,” plus millions of tablets recovered from abandoned consignments. Regional Power Payments: Nigeria’s NERC says Benin, Togo and Niger owe about $11.16m for 2025 electricity supply, with remittance performance at 84.9% for the international buyers. Border Policy Debate: Nigeria’s Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo rejected Atiku’s 2027 pledge to reopen land borders, insisting key crossings have already been reopened and borders are not “closed.”

Border Policy Clash: Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo rejected Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 pledge to “reopen” land borders, saying borders are already open and citing reopenings from 2020 through February 2026, while arguing some Cameroon closures were security-driven, not trade-policy related. Power & Payments: Nigeria’s electricity regulator NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger still owe about $11.16m for 2025 power supply, with remittance performance at 84.9% for cross-border buyers. Edo Power Project: Edo State issued transmission and distribution licences for a 100MW power project in Ikpoba-Okha, targeting completion and commissioning by end-2026. Digital Economy Shift: Youths are increasingly abandoning traditional trades for digital skills and online income, raising concerns about shrinking apprenticeships in fashion, tailoring and carpentry. Sports Business: The NPFL returns with a new commercial era after a three-year $7.5m title sponsorship deal and a record ₦1bn champions’ prize, lifting stakes for clubs. Sustainability in Cotonou: The African Sustainability & Circular Economy Summit 2026 convened sustainability leaders in Cotonou to push circular economy solutions and resilient communities.

Cross-Border Trade & Borders: Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo pushed back hard on Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 pledge to reopen land borders, saying Nigeria’s borders are already open and only some crossings face security limits; he cited reopenings from 2020 (Seme, Illela, Maigatari, Mfum) to 2022 (Idiroko, Ikom) and February 2026 (Kamba, Tsamiya linking Niger and Benin). Power Payments: Nigeria’s electricity regulator (NERC) says Benin, Togo and Niger still owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 ancillary power supply, with remittance performance at 84.9% for international buyers. Edo Power Project: Edo State issued transmission and distribution licences for a 100MW power project in Ikpoba-Okha, targeting completion and commissioning by end-2026. Business & Skills: Edo began LIFE-ND training for 1,020 beneficiaries across 100+ communities, focusing on poultry, fisheries, cassava and rice to build local agribusiness jobs. Tech for Students: Google expanded its free Google AI Plus offer to students in 27 African countries, including Benin, for one year.

Road Accountability: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi ordered the arrest of Hartland Nigeria Limited’s MD after the firm allegedly completed only ~40% of an 11km Benin–Onitsha Expressway section despite receiving about ₦14bn, and he directed officials to audit payments and certificates. Regional Power Payments: Nigeria’s electricity regulator NERC says Benin, Togo and Niger still owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity bills under bilateral arrangements, with international remittance performance at 84.90%. NDDC Works in the Niger Delta: Delta State flagged off NDDC’s reconstruction of a 15.4km failed Benin–Sapele Expressway section, calling it a major boost for mobility and economic activity. Border Trade Politics: Ahead of 2027, Atiku Abubakar renewed promises to reopen Nigeria’s land borders and expand southern ports, arguing closures pushed traders into bankruptcy and worsened unemployment. Benin City Livelihoods: LIFE-ND training began for 1,020 Edo beneficiaries to build agribusinesses across poultry, fisheries, cassava and rice value chains. Legal Pushback on Rights Abuses: A coalition of lawyers launched a national legal offensive against environmental degradation and rights violations, offering protection to citizens facing intimidation for speaking out.

Overseas Jobs Scam Warning (Ghana): Ghana’s Immigration Service urged young job seekers to verify recruitment agencies and offers via an official portal before paying money or travelling, warning that many victims of trafficking are lured with promises of lucrative work abroad. Power & Community Tensions (Edo, Nigeria): Reports say youths from Ologbo in Edo State allegedly attacked CSOs and journalists during an attempted restart at Ossiomo Power’s Independent Power Plant II, with security intervention preventing worse harm. Road Contract Crackdown (Nigeria): Works Minister David Umahi ordered the arrest of Hartland’s managing director over an 11-km Benin–Onitsha Expressway section reportedly completed at only 40% despite up to ₦14bn paid, and directed fund recovery and audits. Regional Trade Boost (Benin): Benin’s exports to ECOWAS hit 26.4bn FCFA in Q2 2026, with Nigeria and Togo taking nearly 88%, reinforcing the case for deeper regional integration. Electricity Payments (Benin–Nigeria): Nigeria’s regulator says Benin, Togo and Niger owed $11.16m in electricity bills at end-2025, highlighting collection gaps in cross-border power deals. Solar Push (Africa/Benin relevance): New analysis projects Africa could install 17GW of solar in 2026, with solar mini-grids flagged as key for rural electrification in Francophone West Africa including Benin. Grid Expansion (Nigeria): TCN says it can wheel over 8,700MW of bulk power, citing transformer additions and rehabilitation efforts. Border Policy Politics (Nigeria): Atiku Abubakar renewed a 2027 pledge to reopen land borders and expand southern ports, arguing closures have bankrupted traders and worsened insecurity. Benin Security Diplomacy: Benin’s armed forces chief met US Joint Chiefs leadership at the Pentagon, with Washington stressing the value of a “secure, stable, and democratic” Benin to regional peace. Road Rehabilitation (Edo/Niger Delta): NDDC plans urgent rehabilitation of a 15-km Sapele–Benin corridor section after joint inspections, as pressure mounts over deteriorating highways.

Road Infrastructure Pressure: Nigeria’s Benin–Asaba corridor stays in the spotlight as Works Minister David Umahi orders CCECC to repair damaged highway sections within 14 days and threatens arrests over contractors removing asphalt, while the Presidency blames the concessionaire for unprofessional handling and gridlock. Multi-agency Fixes: NDDC, the Works Ministry and Edo State have started urgent rehabilitation work on failed Edo–Delta road sections after joint inspections, with groups like Ohanaeze and Niger Delta youth urging follow-through. Power Sector Upgrade: TCN says it has lifted grid wheeling capacity to over 8,700MW, adding 89 transformers and about $1.4bn in funding to expand transformer capacity across locations including Benin. TVET for Jobs: NABTEB and CORBON sign an MoU to align technical training with industry needs, targeting curriculum updates, accreditation and quality assurance. Sports Governance & Business: EFCC says its probe into NFF’s N12bn intervention fund continues despite Gusau’s resignation, while Bendel Insurance chairman Jarrett Tenebe backs a 2026/27 NPFL title push. Regional Trade Logistics: Dangote plans to acquire ships to ease export logistics and shipping shortages affecting regional petroleum-product movement.

Benin-Asaba Highway Crisis: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi escalated pressure on the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), ordering the arrest of contractors removing asphalt without approval and pushing for contract termination or takeover options after motorists endured severe gridlock and road deterioration. Federal Response: The Presidency said the latest failure is an isolated case and blamed contractor shortcomings, while Tinubu directed redesign and total reconstruction of affected sections. Road Corridor Fixes: The NDDC, Works Ministry and Edo State began urgent inspections and rehabilitation efforts across the Benin-Sapele-Warri and Benin-Agbor roads to restore movement and reduce business disruption. Education-to-Industry Link: NABTEB and CORBON signed an MoU to align TVET training with industry needs, focusing on curriculum updates, accreditation, assessment and quality assurance. Telecom Leadership: MTN Group appointed Ikenna Ikeme as Executive for Group Regulatory Affairs from 7 September 2026, strengthening regulatory leadership for its Ambition 2030 push. Trade Logistics Pressure: Dangote Industries said it plans to acquire cargo ships after difficulty securing vessels for regional exports, highlighting shipping capacity constraints and added border taxes in West Africa. Edo Development Politics: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Dennis Idahosa reiterated commitment to the SHINE Agenda as the state marks 35 years, emphasizing infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.

Roads & Infrastructure: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi escalated the fight over the Benin–Asaba highway, ordering the arrest of contractors removing asphalt and pushing for possible termination or replacement of the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), while the Presidency says the Benin–Agbor–Asaba failure is an “isolated case” and not a verdict on all federal roads. NDDC Intervention: The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) joined the Ministry of Works and Edo/Delta stakeholders to inspect and begin urgent rehabilitation on failed corridors, including Benin–Sapele–Warri and a 15-kilometer Sapele–Benin section. Logistics & Trade Costs: Dangote Cement says shipping constraints and road transit taxes (including via Benin and Togo) are squeezing regional exports, prompting plans to acquire its own vessels to move goods to markets like Ghana. Telecom Business: MTN announced leadership changes for Francophone markets and is progressing its IHS Towers takeover, with regulatory approvals moving the deal toward closure. Security & Governance: Civil society groups welcomed the creation of Nigeria’s 83 Division in Benin City as a boost for faster security response, amid ongoing concerns over crime and kidnapping. Cyber & Data: A Carhartt breach case highlights how cybercriminals can expose customer data at scale, with some records reportedly pointing to Benin.

Road Infrastructure Crisis: President Tinubu has ordered the redesign and total reconstruction of the Benin–Agbor–Asaba road after days of gridlock and hardship for motorists and traders, with Works Minister David Umahi apologising to commuters and directing the concessionaire to quit the site; the Presidency and Umahi both blame contractors for poor execution, including alleged removal of asphalt without authorisation. NDDC Intervention: The NDDC, Edo State and the Works Ministry have launched urgent rehabilitation efforts on failed Edo–Delta corridors, including a 15-kilometer section of the Sapele–Benin corridor, following joint inspections. Maritime Trade Push: Dangote Cement plans to acquire its own vessels after failing to secure shipping capacity even for a 1,000-metric-tonne shipment to Ghana; the firm says road transit via Benin and Togo adds taxes and raises costs. Telecom & Finance: MTN is nearing completion of its IHS Towers buyout after Nigeria’s competition regulator granted conditional approval, while MTN also reported strong first-half growth driven by Ghana and Nigeria and continued fintech momentum. Business Policy in Edo: Edo’s Finance Ministry and EIRS are rolling out a Revenue Consolidation Account framework to unify state collections under a Treasury Single Account model.

Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road Crisis: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi apologised to commuters after gridlock and failed sections left travellers stranded for days, ordering the arrest of contractors/concessionaires accused of removing asphalt without authorisation and promising urgent remedial works plus total reconstruction. Concession Scrutiny: Umahi also berated the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), saying it lacked technical competence and worsened deterioration by stripping asphalt and failing to build proper drainage, while the Federal Government moves to review concession compliance. Edo Financial Autonomy Row: Edo Assembly Speaker Yekini Idaiye insisted financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary remains intact, with amendments targeting capital-fund management after protests and rapid assent of the bills. Poverty Pressure in Nigeria: Global Finance ranked Nigeria 56th among the world’s 60 poorest by GDP-PPP per capita, dropping from 44th in 2025, with African countries dominating the bottom. Malaria Workplace Gap (West Africa): A CAMA survey found 62% of West African workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, urging stronger private-sector action. Music Access Cost Cut: Audiomack launched “Night Plan” letting African users download music overnight on cheaper data plans, with Benin among supported markets.

Edo–Delta Road Crisis: MonITNG calls the Benin–Agbor Bypass and Benin–Sapele–Warri Road a “death trap,” saying damaged, muddy sections are trapping motorists, hurting trade, and raising security risks. Edo Governance & Autonomy: Edo’s new Speaker Yekini Idaiye says financial autonomy for the House and judiciary is still intact, even as Okpebholo signed amended bills into law after protests and worker lockouts. Road Oversight: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi says he will inspect the troubled Benin–Asaba Road after gridlock and complaints, pointing to failed concession rehabilitation. Workplace Health Gap: A CAMA survey across Benin and 9 other West African countries finds 62% of workers get no employer malaria prevention support, urging firms to move from awareness to action. Regional Energy Disruption: WAGP maintenance will temporarily suspend Nigeria-to-Togo/Benin gas flows from Aug 28–Sep 1, with knock-on risks for power supply. Corporate Update: Benin’s Court of Appeal overturns a ruling affecting Presco’s 2025 AGM and rights issue, clearing the way for its capital-raising programme. Public Policy Lens: ECOWAS tax officials discuss using excise duties on tobacco to protect health while boosting development revenue. Benin & the Plastic Economy: A Benin sustainability report frames plastic pollution as an economic failure that turns cheap waste into costly damage like blocked canals and ruined livelihoods.