AGP Executive Report

Road Infrastructure: Nigeria’s Federal Government has ordered major contractors to mobilise across all three sections of the Benin–Asaba road after the concessionaire declined emergency intervention, with the Works Minister saying public interest must come first. Electricity Policy: The FG’s planned phase-out of electricity subsidies from 2027 is drawing scrutiny as power supply remains unreliable and legacy debt pressures the sector. Digital Identity for Services: Malawi plans to launch a digital ID wallet next week, letting citizens store national ID on smartphones to cut printing costs and speed up access to services. Inclusive Finance: JUMO and Standard Bank unveiled a Social Finance Framework to scale social loans and bonds for underserved individuals, micro-enterprises and SMEs across Africa. Mobility & Logistics: inDrive says it has surged in Nigeria, now operating ride-hailing plus delivery services in cities including Benin City. Agri-Value & Energy Access (Benin): Porto-Novo’s Gbobètô is turning palm nut shells and other farm leftovers into eco-charcoal briquettes, creating new value from waste and supporting cleaner household cooking. Food Safety (Togo): With World Bank support, Togo is upgrading its food safety lab to speed testing for exports, including pesticide residues.

Road & Infrastructure: Nigeria’s Federal Government has ordered emergency repairs on the Benin–Asaba Federal Road, deploying major contractors across all three sections after the concessionaire declined permission—raising fresh questions for motorists and the PPP model. Energy Policy: The planned phase-out of electricity subsidies from 2027 is under scrutiny as Nigeria still struggles with unreliable power, legacy debts and the real basis of subsidy costs. Power Distribution & Consumer Pressure: In the BEDC area, electricity customers are complaining about high rates, unreliable supply, prepaid-meter mismatches and billing deductions—pushing for clearer tariff accountability. Education & Labour: University of Benin (UNIBEN) denies “half salary” claims, while UNIBEN ASUU begins an indefinite strike over underpaid August salaries. Agribusiness & Food Safety: Togo is strengthening its food safety lab (LaNSA) with World Bank support to speed testing for heavy metals, mycotoxins and pesticide residues—aimed at easing export barriers. Circular Economy (Benin): In Porto-Novo, Gbobètô is turning palm nut shells and farm waste into eco-charcoal briquettes, creating new value chains from agricultural leftovers. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s Navy warns that unregulated unmanned vessels for maritime surveillance could create security risks, calling for a legal framework. Regional Trade: Nigeria and Cameroon launched the Mfum–Ekok border modernisation push to cut trade bottlenecks and support AfCFTA goals.

Food Safety & Exports: Togo’s World Bank-backed Food System Resilience Program is upgrading the National Food Safety and Phytosanitary Laboratory (LaNSA) with new equipment to speed up testing for heavy metals, mycotoxins and pesticide residues—aimed at helping producers meet sanitary standards and reduce trade barriers. Energy & Power Reliability: Ghana’s PURC says thermal power still dominates generation (74.33% in July), keeping the system exposed to costly liquid fuels and global price swings. Coastal Protection & Climate Risk: Togo’s WACA-Togo project has completed 25 of 26 groynes on the Agbodrafo–Goumoukopé–Gbodjomé–Kpémé stretch, extending a protected coastline to 26 km, with beach nourishment continuing. Electricity Consumer Pressure (Benin): In the BEDC area, consumers are complaining about high rates, unreliable supply, unexpected deductions and prepaid-meter mismatches, pushing for clearer tariff accuracy and better regulation. UNIBEN Labour Dispute: University of Benin management denies “half salary” claims, while UNIBEN ASUU begins an indefinite strike over “amputated” August pay. Roads & PPP Tensions: Nigeria’s Works Minister orders emergency contractor intervention on the Benin–Asaba road, overriding concession objections—highlighting how infrastructure delivery can stall under PPP constraints. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s Navy warns that unregulated unmanned vessel deployment could undermine maritime security, calling for a legal framework. Digital Public Infrastructure: UNDP’s AA4DPI mission has taken African delegations to India to study digital identity and payments systems, including uses in agriculture and social protection. Porto-Novo Circular Energy: In Benin, Gbobètô’s eco-charcoal briquettes turn palm nut shells and farm waste into cleaner cooking fuel, creating value for producers and households.

Road Infrastructure Pressure: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi orders emergency contractor deployment on the Benin–Asaba highway after the concessionaire refused federal intervention, raising fresh concerns over PPP performance and road-user hardship. Electricity & Consumer Costs: BEDC customers in the Edo/Delta area complain of higher bills, unreliable supply, prepaid-meter mismatches and deductions, while NISO signals possible sanctions over DisCos’ over N1.5tn debt—an industrial risk for power-reliant firms. University Labour Dispute: University of Benin (UNIBEN) denies “half salary” claims, blaming confusion over CATA allowances, but UNIBEN ASUU begins an indefinite strike over “amputated” August pay. Agro & Climate Adaptation: Ghana’s CSIR-SARI distributes 2,500 tree seedlings (mango, cashew, moringa) to 14 communities under a climate-smart agroforestry project aimed at restoring degraded lands and boosting food security. Digital Public Infrastructure Learning: UNDP’s AA4DPI sends African delegations to India to study digital identity, payments and data systems for agriculture, healthcare and social protection. Coastal Erosion Warning: A Harvard-led study flags West Africa’s rapid shoreline loss (up to 30 feet/year) and cautions that hard coastal barriers can shift erosion to neighboring communities. Logistics Shock from App Exit: Uber’s shutdown in Nigeria disrupts delivery and daily mobility for workers, including a Benin-based food logistics team scrambling for alternatives. Construction Materials Watch: Cement price swings across Nigeria and West Africa trigger renewed regulatory scrutiny over possible manipulation. Energy Resilience Cost: Manufacturers report spending N1.34tn on alternative power in 2025, underscoring how outages keep raising production costs.

Road & Construction: Edo residents praised Gov. Monday Okpebholo for the new 8.6km Okpagha-Amufi road, citing fresh asphalt, drainage and erosion control that cut commute pain. Transport Infrastructure Accountability: Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Works is moving to terminate the Benin-Asaba Expressway concession over “gross” contract breaches, with officials warning the highway has deteriorated and may miss its delivery timeline. Energy & Industry Costs: NISO is threatening sanctions against electricity DisCos over over N1.5tn in unpaid market obligations, while separate reports highlight how power instability keeps factories burning money on alternative generation. Electricity Cross-Border Debt: Nigeria’s international customers (Benin and Togo) reportedly owe $28.33m for ancillary services, adding pressure to regional power payments. Logistics Disruption: Uber’s abrupt shutdown in Nigeria is still disrupting delivery and daily movement for Benin-based food logistics teams, forcing last-mile operators to scramble for alternatives. Climate & Agriculture: CSIR-SARI distributed 2,500 tree seedlings (mango, cashew, moringa) to communities to support agroforestry and climate adaptation. Coastal Risk: A Harvard-backed study warns West African coastlines can lose up to 30 feet per year, challenging the idea that hard sea defenses alone can solve erosion.

Raptors Conservation: A tagged osprey shot in Ghana shows how West Africa’s hunting and habitat loss threaten migratory birds across the flyway, with calls for better tracking and cooperation between Europe and West Africa. Electricity & Industry Costs: Nigerian manufacturers spent N1.34tn on alternative power in 2025 as blackouts keep factories running on diesel, underlining how unstable supply hits production and competitiveness. Power Supply Disruption (Edo): Edo State says the prolonged shutdown of the Ossiomo Power plant is hurting businesses and SMEs, after an ownership dispute involving its Chinese partner. Roads & Infrastructure Accountability (Benin-Asaba): Nigeria’s Works ministry moves to terminate the Benin–Asaba concession over “gross” contract breaches, while ANEEJ demands a refund of over N14bn paid for the corridor, citing only about 40% work completed. Cross-border Trade Friction (AfCFTA): AfCFTA’s five-year push still leaves traders stuck at border paperwork, with examples of goods waiting for days despite promised tariff-free access. Electricity Market Debts (Benin/Togo): NERC reports Nigeria’s international customers in Benin and Togo owe $28.33m for ancillary services, adding pressure to regional power payments. Higher Education Pay Pressure: Fresh concerns emerge across federal varsities as lecturers say salary shortfalls disrupt the promised 40% pay increase.

Electricity & Cross-border Power: NISO has ordered Nigeria’s Discos to start settling outstanding market obligations, warning sanctions after the federal government netted about 97% of 2015–2020 debts. Regional Utilities Debt: Nigeria’s international customers, including Benin and Togo, owe $28.33m (N37.44bn) for ancillary electricity services, with payment gaps building across 2023–2025. Roads & Concessions: The Federal Ministry of Works is moving to terminate the Benin–Asaba expressway concession over “gross” contract breaches, while ANEEJ demands refund of over N14bn paid for the corridor, citing only about 40% work completion. Energy Supply Disruption (Edo): Edo says the prolonged shutdown of the Ossiomo Power plant is hurting businesses and SMEs, after an agreement was reached with the Benin Owena River Basin Authority. Security & Business Climate (Kogi/Edo): Kogi bans night arrests to protect due process; Edo’s governor promises faster security response and pushes ahead with operationalising the new 83 Division army facility. Trade & Market Access: AfCFTA hits five years, but border friction still delays goods—highlighting the gap between trade promises and real logistics. Agribusiness & Food Trade: A rice sourcing survey shows Gulf instability shifting buyer travel and procurement patterns; Benin registrations stand out for BIRC 2026. Mobility (Benin City): After Uber’s exit, inDrive says it’s ready to absorb drivers and passengers across major cities including Benin City.

Road Infrastructure & Accountability: Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Works is moving to terminate the Benin–Asaba expressway concession, saying the concessionaire’s work has worsened the 125-km highway and may not meet the approved scope. Civil Society Watch: ANEEJ is demanding a refund of over ₦14bn allegedly paid for the Benin–Asaba road, asking for full contract and payment records after claims that only about 40% of work was completed. Power & Regional Utilities: Nigeria’s international electricity customers in Benin and Togo owe about $28.33m (₦37.44bn) for ancillary services, with NERC annual reports showing partial payments and growing arrears. Electricity Market Pressure: NISO has told Discos to settle outstanding market obligations after the government netted off 97% of older debts, warning that proposed payment plans are unacceptable. Transport & Security: Kogi bans night arrests, ordering security agencies to follow due process in daytime. Military Readiness: Edo’s governor says the temporary facility for the new 83 Division will be ready within two weeks. Agribusiness & Trade: A BIRC survey shows Gulf instability is affecting overseas rice buyers’ travel and sourcing; Benin has 179 registered buyers for BIRC 2026. Oil Sector Policy: Nigeria’s upstream regulator says oil licensing rounds may shift to annual or even twice-yearly cycles to boost production and attract new operators. Mobility Market: After Uber’s exit, inDrive says it’s ready to absorb drivers and passengers across major cities including Benin City.

Road Accountability: ANEEJ is demanding transparency and a refund of over ₦14bn allegedly paid for the Benin–Asaba road corridor, after Works Minister Dave Umahi said only about 40% of contracted work was completed—ANEEJ wants the full contract, variations and payment records published. Agri-Industrial Push: Kogi State approved procurement of fertilisers and farm inputs and reported progress toward an African Development Bank-backed Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), aiming to strengthen value chains and reduce post-harvest losses. Security & Business Continuity: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo says security agencies will be able to respond to threats within five minutes statewide, with emergency numbers soon to be shared publicly—targeting safer conditions for residents and SMEs. Power Supply Shock: Edo State flagged the shutdown of Ossiomo power plant, saying it previously supplied about 11MW to government offices, residents and businesses, and urged resolution to protect investment and livelihoods. Cross-Border Trade Signals: A Bharat International Rice Conference survey says Gulf instability is reshaping buyer travel and sourcing; Benin is among the top overseas registrants, highlighting West Africa’s role in regional food trade flows.

AI Talent Pipeline: A World Bank-backed warning says Africa’s AI transition could backfire if employers automate entry-level roles too fast, echoing US hiring gaps for young workers in AI-exposed jobs. Rice Trade & Logistics: A Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) survey shows overseas buyers increasingly travel to India for direct access to production and export ecosystems; Benin ranks among top registrants (179). Power Supply Shock: Edo State flags the shutdown of Ossiomo power plant as a blow to businesses, hospitals and government operations, pushing reconnections to BEDC. Security Response Plan: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo pledges dedicated emergency numbers and a five-minute response target to threats statewide. Oil Licensing Push: Nigeria’s upstream regulator signals more frequent oil bid rounds (annual or biannual) to boost output and attract new operators, including assets in the Benin Basin. Drug Enforcement: NDLEA warns of Mexican-linked cartels setting up industrial meth labs in Ogun and Oyo forests, intensifying arrests and patrols. Agriculture Innovation: Plant breeders call for more research investment ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 NPBA conference, stressing improved varieties for pests, drought and soil decline. Remittance Costs: UNCTAD notes Benin among LDCs with high remittance transfer costs, while mobile money and PAPSS are helping reduce cross-border fees.

AfDB Leadership & Delivery: AfDB chief Sidi Ould Tah is reshaping how the bank finances and prepares projects, but the real test is turning strategy into results amid Africa’s huge funding gaps in transport, education, energy and productivity. Cross-Border Payments & Trade Costs: UNCTAD says remittance costs remain high for LDCs, with Benin among the most expensive; it also points to rising mobile money use and PAPSS helping cut cross-border transaction costs. Border Policy for Industry & Food Supply: ADC chieftain Kenneth Imansuaghon backs Atiku’s plan to reopen Nigeria’s land borders (including Benin), arguing it would revive trade, ease business pressure and help stabilize food prices. Agriculture Innovation Push: Nigeria’s plant breeders urge more investment in agricultural research and plant breeding ahead of the NPBA 2026 conference, warning that climate stress, pests and declining soil productivity threaten food security. Electricity Sector Performance: Nigeria’s DisCos posted a June revenue gap of N48.85bn as billing and collection efficiencies fell, with NERC citing weak recovery and persistent power-sector losses. Benin-Linked Energy Finance: A report highlights Benin-born oil veteran Samuel Dossou-Aworet’s large holdings in Nigerian energy stocks, underscoring cross-border capital ties in the oil and gas value chain. Water Infrastructure Investment: Moroccan water firm SNCE sold minority stakes to investors to accelerate growth, noting project activity across West Africa including Benin.

Electricity & Power Sector: Nigeria’s DisCos posted a June revenue gap of N48.85bn as billing and collection efficiencies slipped, with NERC reporting 76.24% billing and 79.71% collection efficiency—Benin Disco ranked among the better performers at 82.23% recovery. Cross-Border Payments & Trade: PAPSS says Nigerian churches are driving rising cross-border remittances, with worshippers across Africa sending tithes and offerings into Nigeria through local-currency settlement rails. Energy Policy & Cost of Living: Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu dismissed calls to restore fuel subsidy in 2027 as “empty campaign buzz,” arguing the subsidy is fiscally unsustainable. Infrastructure & Industry Finance: A report on African sovereign borrowing warns that much of the $14bn+ raised in H1 2026 went to budget support and debt management rather than productive investment. Regional Agriculture: Benin and neighbours are urged to deepen cooperation to become more self-sufficient in rice, cutting West Africa’s heavy import bill. Water & Construction Supply Chain: Morocco’s SNCE sold a stake to investors to accelerate water infrastructure growth across West Africa, including Benin. Digital Learning & Skills: Zenith Bank highlights investments in digital education and ICT/renewable energy support to help students and institutions plug into the digital economy. Security & Illicit Trade: NDLEA says international drug cartels are trying to set up meth production in forested areas of Ogun and Oyo, linking efforts to Mexican networks.

Academic & Energy Leadership: PAP boss Dr. Dennis Otuaro congratulated Tantita Security MD Kestin Pondi and Delta Energy Commissioner Michael Anoka on completing their PhDs at UNIBEN, highlighting discipline and lifelong learning. Power Sector Pressure: Nigeria’s DisCos reported weak billing and collections in June 2026, with a revenue gap (cash not collected) of N48.85bn and overall collection efficiency slipping to 79.71%, including BEDC cited at 82.23% recovery. Roads & Public Service Delivery: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo inaugurated boards and committees (Muslim/Christian Pilgrims Welfare, Consumer Protection, Rural Access Roads Agency), pushing integrity and tangible results—while separate coverage keeps spotlighting failed road portions and the push to fix corridors. Cross-Border Payments & Digital Finance: PAPSS says Nigerian churches are driving rising cross-border remittances across Africa via tithes and offerings, showing how local-currency settlement is cutting costs. Regional Food Industry: West Africa’s rice push got a boost as John Dumelo urged stronger collaboration to cut import dependence and create jobs across the value chain. Security & Illicit Trade: NDLEA warned of international methamphetamine production attempts in Ogun and Oyo forests, linked to Mexican cartel networks.

Digital Education & Energy Support: Zenith Bank highlights investments in ICT infrastructure, renewable energy and youth development to expand access to digital learning and strengthen institutions. Sovereign Debt Pressure: A new Africa Sovereign Credit Rating Review says many African loans in H1 2026 went to budget support and debt servicing more than productive investment, even as countries like Benin were flagged for resilient fundamentals. Electricity Market Pain: Nigeria’s DisCos posted weaker billing and collection in June 2026, widening revenue gaps (N48.85bn) and leaving liquidity strained; lawmakers also urged indebted DisCos, including BEDC, to clear obligations. Power Sector Governance: Edo State inaugurated boards including Consumer Protection and Rural Access Roads Agency, pushing integrity and service delivery. Security & Illicit Trade: NDLEA warns of Mexican-linked meth lab attempts in Ogun and Oyo forests and reports 68 drug trafficker arrests in Edo in August. Infrastructure & Investment: Moroccan water firm SNCE sold minority stakes to investors to accelerate growth, with projects spanning Benin and West Africa. Mobility After Uber: inDrive says it will keep investing in Nigeria after Uber’s exit, inviting drivers across multiple cities.

Power & Utilities: Nigeria’s DisCos posted another revenue squeeze in June 2026, with a N48.85bn gap between billed and collected electricity, while the House of Representatives’ Power Committee urged indebted operators—including Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC)—to clear outstanding market obligations to protect liquidity and sector sustainability. Security & Illicit Trade: NDLEA warned of international drug cartels setting up industrial methamphetamine labs in forested areas of Ogun and Oyo, after earlier arrests linked to similar operations; separately, Edo State NDLEA said it arrested 68 suspected traffickers and recovered 7,531kg of narcotics in August. Governance & Public Service: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo inaugurated four boards and committees (Muslim and Christian Pilgrims Welfare, Consumer Protection, and Rural Access Roads Agency), urging integrity and results. Energy Infrastructure & Investment: Moroccan water infrastructure firm SNCE sold minority stakes to investors CDG Invest Growth and Mediterrania Capital Partners, while keeping majority control—SNCE also reports projects across Benin and the wider region. Regional Agriculture: West Africa’s Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, called for stronger cross-border collaboration to make the region self-sufficient in rice and cut import dependence.

Fuel Subsidy Debate: Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu dismissed opposition promises to restore fuel subsidy in 2027 as “empty campaign buzz,” arguing it’s not fiscally sustainable. Security & Elections: Sanwo-Olu, Gbenga Daniel and Lai Mohammed stressed insecurity will shape campaigning and voting logistics ahead of 2027. Power Sector Cash-Flow Pressure: Nigeria’s DisCos left a N123.87bn power revenue gap in June 2026, with collection efficiency slipping to 79.71%, while lawmakers urged indebted DisCos (including BEDC) to clear debts to protect market liquidity. Electricity Oversight: The House Committee on Power held hearings at NISO, warning defaults could threaten long-term sector sustainability. Regional Rice Push: Benin, Togo and others were cited in calls for West Africa to collaborate across the rice value chain to cut import dependence. Transport & Infrastructure: NDDC flagged off reconstruction of a 15.4km failed stretch on the Benin-Sapele corridor, aiming to restore a key trade route. Logistics After Uber: Uber’s exit from Nigeria is pushing SMEs to seek delivery alternatives as ride-hailing logistics demand shifts. Education & Skills: NEPL/Seplat’s STEP will train 500 teachers in Edo to improve learning outcomes.