AGP Executive Report

Edo Security: Edo Police arrested four suspected kidnappers and a 52-year-old Islamic teacher, Jubril Ibrahim, in connection with attacks in Edo North (Auchi, Jattu, Okpella), with police saying the suspects were nabbed in Niger State after intelligence work. Education Update: NABTEB released the 2026 June/July NBC/NTC results in Benin City, reporting 100,069 registered, 97,867 sat, and an 81.24% pass rate (79,503 candidates) scoring five credits including English and Maths. Power & Utilities: NERC says DisCos added 203,521 metered customers in June, lifting the national metering rate to 61.51% (still leaving 4.85m active customers without meters). Healthcare Support: RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye and wife donated three dialysis machine sets to UBTH to boost renal care. Sports (Regional): WAFU B U-17 draw is set for Thursday in Burkina Faso, while Edo Queens face USFA in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers semi-finals. Business & Governance: Royal Exchange Plc appointed Geoffrey Ohen as non-executive director; Edo Governor Okpebholo defended amendments to financial and judicial autonomy laws as checks against unchecked constituency spending.

Borgu Insecurity: Residents in Niger’s Borgu area say persistent attacks have emptied homes and farms, with some fleeing into Benin after abducted worshippers were reported during Jumu’at prayers; officials are still trying to confirm numbers. Press Freedom in Benin: CPJ urges President Romuald Wadagni to act decisively to protect journalists, citing Benin’s worsening record and the continued detention of Olofofo Info’s Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè and colleague Ali Moumouni, plus calls to reform the Digital Code. Edo Politics: PDP National Vice-Chairman Daniel Orbih has died at 64; tributes poured in from Edo leaders including Godwin Obaseki and Nyesom Wike. Health in Edo/UBTH: UBTH says its cancer treatment centre is now fully operational, with access for poor patients via the Cancer Health Fund, and a new ambulance commissioned to boost emergency care. Security Crackdown (Edo): NSCDC arrested 19 suspected illegal miners in Edo North, seizing items from a gold-mining site while two suspects escaped. Digital Economy: Meta will charge Nigerian businesses per WhatsApp message from Oct 1, while ordinary users are unaffected.

Edo Politics: PDP National Vice-Chairman (South-South) Chief Daniel Orbih has died at 64, with family confirming his passing in Benin and asking for prayers as burial plans are awaited. Security & Mining: Edo NSCDC arrested 19 suspected illegal miners in the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis, following surveillance, with two suspects escaping. Drugs Crackdown: NDLEA says it arrested 3,705 suspects and seized about 54 tonnes of illicit drugs in 52 days, including major seizures and court actions. Power Struggles in Delta: Warri/Asaba residents complain of “trafficator” electricity—brief supply followed by long outages—after repeated transformer repair failures and fresh contribution demands. Health in Edo: UBTH Cancer Treatment Centre is now fully operational, with radiotherapy access for indigent patients via the Cancer Health Fund; a new ambulance was commissioned. Road Accountability: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi ordered the arrest of Hartland Nigeria MD over incomplete Benin-Onitsha Expressway works despite N14bn paid. Regional Trade: Niger is rerouting trade through Nigerian ports amid its diplomatic row with Benin disrupting border routes. Digital Policy: Meta will charge Nigerian businesses per WhatsApp message from Oct 1, while ordinary users remain unaffected.

Healthcare Upgrade in Edo: Edo Deputy Gov Dennis Idahosa handed UBTH a federal ambulance, saying modern equipment is key to wider access to quality care. Cancer Care at UBTH: UBTH CMD Prof. Ida Ize-Iyamu says the hospital’s Cancer Treatment Centre is now 100% operational, with poor patients able to access radiotherapy via the Cancer Health Fund. Power Tensions in Asaba: Residents of Fear God Street, Bonsaac, accuse BEDC and a transformer committee of leaving them without electricity despite millions in contributions, while the committee chair denies any diversion. Electricity Losses: A report cites commercial and technical losses costing DisCos about N2.47tn in unbilled power from 2020–2025. Roads & Accountability: Commentaries and updates keep spotlighting the Benin–Asaba corridor’s gridlock and failed works, with calls for contractor action. Regional Trade Pressure: Niger is increasingly routing trade through Nigerian ports as a Benin border dispute disrupts access. Cotonou to Host ICASA+: Benin’s Cotonou will host ICASA+ 2027, expanding the conference beyond HIV to broader health threats.

Healthcare Upgrade in Edo: UBTH says its Cancer Treatment Centre is now 100% operational, and a new federal ambulance was handed over to boost emergency and trauma care, with access for the poor via the Cancer Health Fund. Power Dispute in Delta: Asaba residents accuse BEDC and a transformer committee of leaving them without electricity after repeated failed repairs and demand for fresh contributions for a new 750KVA transformer. Fuel Price Shock (Nigeria): Dangote Refinery’s latest PMS increase is pushing depot and pump prices up again, with depot rates nearing N1,300 per litre. Cross-border Trade Pressure: Niger is turning more to Nigerian ports as a Benin border dispute and route insecurity disrupt trade corridors. EU vs Shadow Fleet: EU Operation Irini boarded a suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker, “Sun,” for flag verification, the sixth such stop this year. Edo Education Push: Seplat/NEPL plans to train 500 teachers in Edo under its STEP programme. Roads & Concessions: FG explores ending the Benin-Asaba Road concession using the “law of necessity” over prolonged deterioration. Sports (NPFL): Bendel Insurance began the season with a 2-1 win over Warri Wolves; Obasogie missed the opener due to transfer paperwork delays.

Road Rehabilitation Push: Nigeria’s NDDC has started reconstructing the failed Warri–Sapele–Benin section of the East-West road after a Tinubu directive, with contractors set to work from both ends to speed completion. Power & Utilities: NERC says DisCos lost about ₦1.36tn in 2025 through billing and collection gaps, while NISO blamed recent allocation changes on transmission line outages, not generation shortfalls. Cross-Border Electricity Payments: Nigeria received about ₦87.85bn from Niger, Togo and Benin for 2025 power supply, with an 84.9% remittance rate. Security & Drugs: NDLEA seized “Captagon” and opioids worth over ₦6.2bn at Lagos airport, arresting a cross-border kingpin after pills were hidden in “Ghana soap.” Education & Exams: NABTEB set Sept. 10 as the deadline for 2026 Nov/Dec certificate exam registration (Dec modular trades runs to Sept. 30). Tourism Policy: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations across West Africa, including Benin.

Medical Milestone in Edo/Delta: Governor Monday Okpebholo and UBTH celebrated Dr Ekiomado Eki-Udoko, Edo and Delta’s first female neurosurgeon, after her West African College of Surgeons certification. Education Deadlines: NABTEB set Sept. 10 as the closing date for 2026 Nov/Dec certificate exam registration (NBC/NTC/ANBC/ANTC), with Sept. 30 for the December Modular Trades exam; fees range from N6,000 to N25,500. Healthcare Training Boost: NUC approved UBTH College of Nursing Sciences to start the BNSc programme from the 2026/2027 session, with a governing council inaugurated for oversight. Airport Safety Drill: The Nigerian Air Force held a fire emergency drill at Benin Airport with FAAN to test evacuation and response readiness. Drug Crackdown at Lagos Airport: NDLEA seized ₦6.2bn worth of Captagon and opioids at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, arresting a cross-border kingpin linked to “Ghana Soap” concealment. Road Rehabilitation Push (Niger Delta): NDDC began emergency reconstruction on the Warri-Sapele-Benin corridor, following Tinubu’s directive.

Flood Watch: Nigeria’s National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre warns 915 communities across 19 states and the FCT face critical flood risk from Aug 27–Sep 9, including Benin City and Asaba, urging residents to verify evacuation routes and protect vulnerable households. Border Politics: Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo rejects Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 pledge to “reopen” land borders, saying Nigeria’s borders are already open and citing reopenings from 2020 to Feb 2026, including links to Benin and Niger. Power & Regional Trade: NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity supply, with remittance performance at 84.90%. Roads in Focus: NDDC has started reconstruction of the Warri-Sapele-Benin road after Tinubu’s directive, as motorists continue to suffer from dilapidated corridors. Healthcare Voice: WAHO launches Health Service User Support Centres in Benin, Togo and The Gambia to let patients report issues and get mediation. Sports & Culture: Bendel Insurance FC kick off NPFL 2026/27 in Benin City, while Angélique Kidjo gets a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

NPFL Season Kickoff: Nigeria’s top-flight league returned for 2026/27 with a new EuroMatch title sponsorship and a record ₦1bn prize for champions, starting with Shooting Stars beating Inter Lagos 2-1 as Rangers aim to defend their crown. Border Politics: Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo hit back at Atiku Abubakar, saying Nigeria’s land borders are already open and cannot be “reopened,” citing specific border reopenings including links to Benin and Niger. Power Payments Across Borders: Nigeria’s electricity regulator says Benin, Togo and Niger still owe Nigeria about $11.16m for 2025 power supply, with payment performance below full recovery. Flood Watch: Federal authorities warn 915 communities across 19 states and the FCT face critical flood risk, including Benin City and Asaba, urging immediate preparedness. Edo State Moves: Edo issued licences for a 100MW power project expected to finish by end-2026, deployed 25 NYSC buses for free transport, and reconstituted House committees under a new speaker. Sports Streaming: DAZN secured LaLiga rights across Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing all matches to fans in Nigeria and Benin.

Road Accountability: Works Minister David Umahi ordered the arrest of Hartland Nigeria Limited’s MD after the firm allegedly completed only about 40% of an 11km Benin–Onitsha Expressway section despite receiving roughly ₦14bn, with officials told to retrieve payment certificates and recover funds. Regional Power Payments: Nigeria’s electricity regulator says Togo, Niger and Benin owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 ancillary services, with remittance performance at 84.9% for the international bilateral customers. Security & Displacement: Amnesty International reports at least 2,000 residents fled Dekera District in Niger State to Benin after mosque attacks and mass abductions; meanwhile, security forces moved into Borgu LGA to rescue hundreds. Sports (Benin Connection): Nigeria’s U-17 women’s Flamingos begin final World Cup preparations after beating Benin Republic in qualifiers; coach Hakeem Busari invited 26 players. Elections Talk: Atiku Abubakar renewed promises to reopen land borders and develop southern ports, citing trade losses affecting communities including those trading with Benin.

Road Accountability in Focus: Benin-Onitsha Expressway work is under fire as Works Minister David Umahi orders the arrest of Hartland’s MD over an 11-kilometre stretch allegedly completed at only about 40% despite up to ₦14 billion paid, with directives to recover funds and audit payment certificates. Regional Power Payments: Nigeria’s regulator says Benin’s SBEE, Togo’s CEET and Niger’s NIGELEC still owe Nigeria $11.16 million in electricity bills at end-2025, though remittance performance was 84.9% for the international customers. Benin’s Trade Push: Benin reports 26.4 billion FCFA in exports to ECOWAS in Q2 2026, with Nigeria and Togo taking nearly 88% of the value—an indicator of growing regional integration. Security Diplomacy: Benin highlights deepening US ties after a Pentagon meeting, with Washington stressing “secure, stable, and democratic” Benin as key to regional peace. Local Tension Around Power: In Edo, youths allegedly attacked CSOs and journalists during an Ologbo community incident tied to restoring electricity from Ossiomo Power, underscoring how power projects can spark unrest.

Benin–Asaba Road Crisis: Works Minister David Umahi ordered China’s CCECC to repair damaged Benin–Asaba Highway sections in Delta within 14 days, warning that asphalt removal and poor access lanes must be fixed for motorists’ welfare. Road Accountability: Umahi also sanctioned contractors on the Benin–Onitsha Expressway access road and threatened arrests over incomplete work despite payments, while critics say Niger Delta roads still contradict claims of progress. Community Safety: The federal flood early warning system flagged 915 communities across 19 states and the FCT as being at critical risk from Aug. 27 to Sept. 9, urging residents to verify evacuation routes and follow emergency directives. Edo Governance: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo marked the state’s 35th anniversary by calling for unity and renewed delivery under the SHINE Agenda, and he swore in new commission leadership for ecology funding and electricity regulation. Football Shake-up: Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Gusau and board members resigned, with the EFCC saying its probe into the N12bn intervention fund will continue. Sports (Benin City): Edo Queens beat ASEC Mimosas 3-1 to reach the WAFU B Women’s Champions League semi-finals.

Flood Watch: Nigeria’s FG warns 915 communities across 19 states and Abuja face critical flood risk from Aug. 27–Sept. 9, with Edo and Benin City among major hotspots, urging residents to verify evacuation routes and stay on alert. Edo Governance: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo swore in new leaders for the Ecological Funding and Management Commission and the Edo Electricity Regulatory Commission, charging them to deliver under the SHINE Agenda. Road Crisis (Benin–Asaba): Works Minister David Umahi apologized over the Benin–Agbor–Asaba highway gridlock, accusing the concessionaire of stripping asphalt and ordering arrests of contractors removing asphalt; the NDDC and Edo/Works teams have begun urgent inspections and interventions. Education Skills: NABTEB and CORBON signed an MoU to align TVET training with industry needs, including curriculum updates and accreditation support. Football Shake-up: NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and other executives resigned amid pressure over Nigeria’s national teams’ poor outings, with Gusau citing a need for reform. Security (Niger): Tinubu ordered an immediate rescue after mass mosque kidnappings in Niger State, as NSCIA and northern senators demand rescue of all victims.

Benin-Asaba Road Crisis: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi has ordered the Benin-Asaba concessionaire to quit the project site and face arrest of contractors accused of stripping asphalt and ignoring engineering standards, after a gridlock and road failure that left motorists trapped for days; the Federal Government is also considering reviewing or terminating the concession and has offered three options to keep work moving. Presidency Blames Contractor: The Presidency says the Benin-Agbor-Asaba expressway breakdown is an isolated case driven by contractor failure, while President Tinubu has directed redesign and total reconstruction. Security in Niger State: Tinubu has launched a national manhunt after mass mosque kidnappings in Borgu, with NSCIA and Northern senators demanding urgent rescue of captives and prosecution of attackers. MTN Leadership Push: MTN announced new executive appointments to strengthen operations across Francophone markets. Shipping Pressure on Trade: Dangote plans to acquire its own vessels after failing to secure shipping capacity for cement exports, citing costly road transit through Benin and Togo. Health & Education: A study links hospital training and quality support in Benin and other countries to fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths; OSN also warns cataracts drive avoidable blindness for over two million Nigerians.

Road Crisis in Focus: Benin-Agbor-Asaba expressway gridlock and road failure are being blamed on contractor shortcomings, with Works Minister David Umahi ordering the concessionaire to quit the site, remove blockages, and face possible arrest over alleged asphalt removal; the Presidency also says the incident is “isolated” and points to contractor failure and rainy-season challenges. Emergency Road Repairs: NDDC, the Works Ministry, Edo State and other stakeholders have launched urgent interventions on failed Edo-Delta corridors, including Benin-Sapele-Warri and Benin-Agbor sections, while a separate push targets the Benin bypass and other federal roads. Maritime Logistics Push: Dangote is planning to acquire its own vessels after struggling to secure shipping capacity for exports like cement to Ghana, arguing that road transit through Benin and Togo adds taxes and raises costs. Security Shock: Nigeria’s Tinubu has ordered a national manhunt after mass mosque attacks in Niger State, with reports of dozens killed and hundreds abducted, and the NSCIA demanding rescue and prosecution. Health Update: A study under the ALERT project in Benin and other countries links improved maternity care to fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths.

Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road Crisis: Nigeria’s Tinubu ordered an urgent rescue of stranded motorists and a redesign/rebuild of the Benin–Agbor–Asaba corridor after days of gridlock and vehicle damage, with Works Minister David Umahi apologising in Benin City and ordering arrests of contractors/concessionaires accused of removing asphalt without authorisation. Accountability on Federal Roads: Umahi also hit the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) for poor handling, including alleged asphalt removal and lack of side drains, while commuters reportedly detoured through forest routes to escape the “death trap.” Terror Financing Warning: Security analyst Dr Bulama Bukarti warned that terrorists increasingly use social media and international remittance platforms to solicit and move funds, urging Nigerians to do due diligence before donating online. Niger Mass Kidnapping Response: Tinubu directed a coordinated military and police rescue after attacks on mosque communities in Niger State, with reports suggesting hundreds abducted. Health Push: NICRAT says a proposed N302.3bn National Cancer Institute will cut medical tourism and train oncology experts across Africa. Edo Autonomy Clarification: Edo Assembly Speaker Yekini Idaiye insists financial autonomy for the Assembly and judiciary remains intact, with changes only to capital funds management.