AGP Executive Report

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.

Road Safety & Accountability: MonITNG has branded the Benin–Agbor Bypass and the Benin–Sapele–Warri Road a “death trap,” saying muddy, damaged stretches are trapping motorists for hours and hurting businesses—while Edo and Delta officials face fresh calls for urgent fixes. Federal Response: Works Minister David Umahi moved in after Tinubu’s order, inspecting the Benin–Agbor–Asaba expressway and pointing to stalled PPP rehabilitation work that left sections unrepaired. Public Finance Tension in Edo: The Edo Assembly amended laws on financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary, with Governor Okpebholo signing quickly—prompting protests from unions and lawyers—while the new Speaker insists autonomy remains, only capital fund management was adjusted. Health & Social Support: Edo says 10 mental-health patients in approved herbal healing homes are ready for discharge after monitoring and assessment. Sports: Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has returned to Bendel Insurance on a one-year deal. Regional Football: CAF released the 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifiers draw, including Tunisia vs Benin and Nigeria vs Mauritania/DR Congo. Security: Tinubu ordered a rescue operation after mass mosque kidnappings in Niger State, with officials citing dozens killed and many abducted.

Edo Governance Clash: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo signed the Edo Assembly Funds Management Bill and the Judiciary Financial Autonomy amendment into law, even as JUSUN judiciary workers locked out assembly staff over fears the autonomy would be rolled back. Roads Under Pressure: Travellers again complained of gridlock and poor conditions on the Benin-Agbor corridor, while the Edo government blamed heavy rainfall for delays on key entry/exit roads. Security in the Sahel: Attacks on Niger State communities near the Benin border saw worshippers abducted during Friday prayers, with troops later moving in for rescue and clearance. Drug Crackdown: NDLEA arrested five suspects and destroyed a cannabis plantation in Edo, seizing codeine, tramadol and other drugs. Football & Culture: Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie returned to Bendel Insurance on a one-year deal, and Beninese icon Angélique Kidjo earned a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Health & Travel: IOM Nigeria said its migration health centres in Abuja, Lagos and Benin City will close for Eid el-Maulud on Aug 25.

Edo Roads & Works: Edo State says heavy rainfall slowed major road rehabilitation, affecting the Benin-Ore, Benin-Agbor and Benin-Warri projects, while insisting all key entry/exit routes have been awarded and work will continue. Edo Governance Clash: Governor Monday Okpebholo signed bills on Edo Assembly funds management and judiciary financial autonomy amendments despite protests by JUSUN, as the Edo House also moved to reject a former speaker’s “resignation” and instead resolve impeachment. Security in Edo: Police arrested a 21-year-old over alleged defilement of an 8-year-old girl, while NDLEA said it arrested five suspects and destroyed a cannabis plantation in Edo. Transport Anguish: A viral clip shows Nigerians stranded on the Benin Road gridlock carving escape routes through bushes, reigniting anger over road conditions. Regional Terror Update: In Niger, suspected terrorists attacked Dekara community, abducting residents as troops moved in, with rescue operations underway. Football: Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie re-signed with Bendel Insurance on a one-year deal. Media & Energy: Chevron Nigeria renewed support for journalist training in the Niger Delta.

Fuel Subsidy Row: A Kebbi APC chieftain, Aminullah Mustapha, says Atiku Abubakar’s plan to reintroduce petrol subsidy could revive corruption—citing claims of “bogus” marketers and tankers diverting fuel to Niger and Benin. Governance & Fake Agencies: ICPC investigations have exposed a “phantom” National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office inside the SGF premises, prompting arrests and suspensions. Aviation Safety (Benin Airport): NSIB flags fresh safety gaps after the Enugu Air runway overrun, including an obstruction blocking control tower visibility and issues with meteorological information—raising the possibility of demolishing the structure. Security (Niger): Terrorists abduct dozens of worshippers during Juma’at prayers in Niger State, while in southwest Niger, at least 18 gendarmes were killed in a camp attack. Drugs (NDLEA): NDLEA seized N4.4bn worth of “Loud” at Apapa and Lekki and arrested a 101-year-old woman for drug dealing, with cocaine allegedly hidden in “fufu.” Edo Local Matters: Owan stakeholders reject the “forced” resignation of Edo Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku; Edo police also arrested cult suspects and recovered firearms. Sports (Edo Queens): Edo Queens open WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Ouagadougou against AS Garde Nationale. Infrastructure & Power (Edo): Ossiomo Power alleges vandalism is disrupting supply despite N182m CSR spending; a transformer vandal in Benin City was jailed. Culture: Benin-born music icon Angélique Kidjo makes history with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Drug Enforcement: NDLEA says it arrested a 101-year-old woman, Esther Ogunmabo, in Ilisan, Ogun State, for alleged cannabis dealing (90g of skunk), and ordered bail plus counselling due to her age; the agency also reports major seizures including cocaine hidden in “fufu” and other large consignments. Aviation Safety: NSIB released preliminary findings on the July 23 Enugu Air runway overrun at Benin airport, pointing to runway-end conditions, control tower visibility, and meteorological information gaps, and issued four immediate safety recommendations. Local Politics: An Owan stakeholder, Gordie Aigbodion, condemns Edo Assembly ex-Speaker Blessing Agbebaku’s resignation as “forced,” alleging marginalisation of Owan West/East and interference with legislative independence. Education Governance: Edo’s new Commissioner for Education, Washington Osifo, pledges closer legislature–ministry collaboration to push education development under the SHINE agenda. Power & Security: An Edo court jailed a transformer vandal for stealing and vandalising a BEDC 200KVA unit, while police also arrested four suspected cultists and recovered firearms in Benin City. Culture & Pride: Benin-born music icon Angélique Kidjo makes history with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, dedicating it to Benin and Africa.

Benin–Edo Regional Diplomacy: President Romuald Wadagni took part in the AU’s Luanda meeting on conflict prevention, with Benin also pushing for stronger mediation roles and a September investment showcase of about $3bn in projects. Security in the Niger-Benin border belt: Reports from Nigeria’s Niger State describe Friday-prayer attacks in Borgu (Dekara and surrounding villages) where gunmen abducted dozens and killed worshippers, with some captives escaping after clashes between armed factions. Edo governance and rule of law: The Nigerian Bar Association (Benin Branch) opposed any move to repeal Edo’s House of Assembly and Judiciary autonomy law, warning it could weaken democracy and judicial independence. Aviation safety at Benin Airport: NSIB says the Enugu Air runway overrun at Oba Akenzua II Airport exposed multiple safety gaps and issued four recommendations to aviation regulators. Local politics and culture flashpoint: Edo officials and Israel DMW traded blows over claims Davido was banned from performing in Edo, with the dispute tied to election-era tensions. Media welfare: NUJ Edo urged the state to introduce a weigh-in allowance for public-service media workers. Health and substance abuse: Edo accused some health workers of fuelling drug abuse and UBTH inaugurated a drug testing centre. Sports: Edo Queens began WAFU-B qualifiers in Ouagadougou, drawn against clubs from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Niger.

Benin Diplomacy: President Romuald Wadagni is in Luanda for the AU’s 21st extraordinary session on conflict prevention, with Angola and Benin also discussing stronger mediation roles and Wadagni’s plan to host a September investment fair pitching projects worth about $3bn. Edo Governance & Justice: The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, says moves to repeal or weaken Edo’s House of Assembly and judiciary autonomy law would damage democracy and the rule of law. Church Security Order: CCCOGI’s spiritual leader Ikhuiwu directs all church stations worldwide to set up Chosen Special Duty Marshals (CSDM) amid insecurity. Aviation Safety (Benin Airport): NSIB flags new safety gaps after an Enugu Air runway overrun at Benin Airport, issuing four recommendations on runway-end conditions, tower sight, and weather info. Media Welfare: NUJ Edo calls for a Weigh-in Allowance for public-service media workers due to irregular hours and urgent assignments. Sports (Edo Queens): Edo Queens push for WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualification in Ouagadougou, drawn in Group B with ASEC Mimosas, Ampem Darkoa and Niger’s AS Garde Nationale. Regional Security (Nigeria near Benin): Reports from Niger State describe mass kidnappings and killings during Friday prayers in Borgu, with attacks linked to armed groups and cross-border fears.

Edo Diaspora Assurance: Gov. Monday Okpebholo told Nigerian-Americans in Benin that Nigeria—and Edo—remains safe despite security worries, promising support via the new Edo Diaspora Agency. Child Health in Benin: A new report links widespread stunting to malnutrition and misinformed beliefs, spotlighting urgent nutrition education needs. Aviation Safety in Edo: The NSIB says an Enugu Air runway overrun at Benin Airport involved autobrake failure, poor visibility in rain, and airport infrastructure gaps, issuing four safety recommendations. Edo Health Digital Push: EDOHIC is training providers ahead of a Sept. 1 go-live for its Online Portal Version 1.0 to automate enrolment, authorisations, referrals and claims. Davido Ban Row: Edo officials deny any ban on Davido after an aide claimed he was barred from performing; the government insists Edo remains open and the claim came from an impostor. Sports: Edo Queens arrived in Burkina Faso for WAFU-B qualifiers, with Kennedy Boboye taking interim charge. ECOWAS Security Move: ECOWAS begins moving Chinese-donated equipment to Sierra Leone as it works toward a regional counter-terrorism force by 2027.

Aviation Safety: Nigeria’s NSIB released a preliminary report on the July 23 Enugu Air runway overrun at Benin’s Oba Akenzua II Airport, saying all 68 people escaped without injury and issuing immediate safety recommendations while technical checks continue. Digital Finance: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed a cloud-native migration of MTN MoMo in several markets and say Benin is among those being considered for the same upgrade path. Entertainment & Politics: Edo State officials say Afrobeats star Davido is banned from performing in Edo for the rest of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s tenure after a public clash over leaked WAEC/WASSCE results; Davido’s camp, including Israel DMW, rejects the ban. Human Rights: Beninese cyberactivist Steve Amoussou was released after serving a two-year sentence tied to an online account and charges of politically motivated insult and spreading false news. Public Health: NDLEA and UBTH stakeholders pushed for wider alcohol and substance screening, framing it as prevention and protection. Culture & Heritage: A committee on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) says Edo spent N3.8bn on the project and recommends returning it to the Oba of Benin for management. Sports: Huye Stadium renovation in Rwanda stalled over payment disputes involving a Benin-based contractor, raising readiness concerns ahead of the new season. Child Welfare: Reporting from Benin highlights stunting linked to malnutrition and misinformation, stressing the need to act early.