Digital Payments in West Africa: BanffPay (Liberia) secured a Payment Service Provider license from the Central Bank of Liberia, setting up Africa’s first unified Pay-In/Pay-Out API to let fintechs and businesses connect once for multiple payment flows. Electricity Costs & Subsidies: Nigeria’s federal government spent ₦358.32bn on electricity tariff subsidies in Q1 2026, with the drop driven more by lower DisCo offtake than better tariff recovery. Cross-border Power Debt: NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger owe $12.66m for electricity bills in Q1 2026, remitting only about 27.6% of invoices. Security & Business Compliance in Edo: Edo ordered businesses in the state to install CCTV by July 30 and warned against planned “7/7” cult celebrations, after arrests in Uromi and Auchi. Market Crackdown in Edo: Edo demolished illegal structures and stalls under a 132kV line in Egor Market after a fire outbreak, saying traders were informed and no goods were destroyed. Education & Jobs Support: NYSC partnered with Wema Bank to equip outgoing Edo corps members with employability and entrepreneurship skills. Culture & Returns: Edo Governor Okpebholo said the returned Benin Bronzes belong to the Oba’s palace and should not be politicised, as Nigeria received 18 bronzes and other objects. EFCC Enforcement: EFCC secured convictions of 10 people for naira mutilation after spraying currency at parties in Delta and Edo. Vehicle Import Relief: Nigeria Customs confirmed reduced import duties on used cars (15% to 5%) and new cars (20% to 10%) under 2026 policy.