AGP Executive Report

Electricity & Metering: Nigeria’s DisCos installed 357,495 electricity meters in Q1 2026, the highest deployment in five quarters, with Benin and Abuja DisCos leading the charge. Power Investment: Edo State secured a 10% equity stake in a proposed 100MW power plant in Ologbo, aiming to turn land and enabling support into long-term revenue and better electricity supply. Tax Transparency: Liberia joined an Africa-wide push to strengthen tax cooperation, endorsing a strategy to use “exchange of information on request” to curb cross-border tax evasion and recover lost revenue. Aviation Connectivity: Ghana’s parliament ratified air services agreements with Benin and five other countries, a move meant to boost trade, tourism and cargo through better connectivity. Creative Economy (Benin): KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA launched a fully sponsored 12-week Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou to train young creatives and “own the narrative.” Culture & Heritage (Benin): Artisanal potters in Sè are preserving pottery traditions while selling locally and abroad, keeping a heritage craft alive as a business. Security & Disruption (region): West Africa faces severe flooding and displacement, while Nigeria’s education sector braces for possible ASUU indefinite strike actions over unpaid allowances.

Indigenous Engineering Push: Nigeria’s NCDMB crowned Modibbo Adama University’s Team Mavericks as champions of the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad, awarding ₦50m for a “Sarafa Community Security Alert” device network that links households to emergency responders. Corporate Appointments: Deloitte named Togolese executive Kodjo Akpatigbe as Managing Partner for Togo and Benin, as PZ Cussons Nigeria appointed Oghenekevwe Ogefere as Company Secretary effective July 1. Power & Investment: Edo State secured a 10% equity stake in a proposed 100MW power plant in Ologbo, aiming for better electricity and state revenue. Electricity Collections: Despite blackouts, Nigeria’s DisCos collected ₦801.16bn in Jan–Apr 2026, with ₦207.77bn still unpaid; Kaduna DisCo recorded the weakest recovery at 43.15%. Aviation Connectivity: Ghana’s Parliament ratified air services agreements with Benin and five other countries to boost trade, tourism and cargo links. Benin Creative Economy: KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA launched a fully funded 12-week Pan-African filmmaking bootcamp for 20 Beninese creatives under “Owning the Narrative.” Security & Disruption: Kidnappers killed a ransom-paid victim in Delta, while ASUU warned of indefinite strikes in multiple state universities over unpaid 2025 agreement allowances. Climate Pressure: A fresh nationwide flood warning in Nigeria flagged risks across more than 30 states, including Benin City and other southern areas.

Creative Economy & Youth Skills: KAP Film & Television Academy and Benin’s SOPA have launched the KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou, a fully sponsored 12-week programme for 20 young Beninese creatives under the theme “Owning the Narrative,” with training across Benin and Lagos. Aviation & Trade Connectivity: Ghana’s Parliament has ratified bilateral air services agreements with Benin and five other countries (Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Guyana, Luxembourg, Qatar) to boost passenger and cargo movement and support tourism and investment. Power & Revenue Performance: Nigeria’s DisCos collected N597.56bn in Q1 2026 (78.95% of N756.93bn billed) despite two national grid collapses, even as collection efficiency dipped slightly. Energy Investment Deal: Edo State says it secured a 10% equity stake in a proposed 100MW power plant at Ologbo, aiming for revenue, jobs, and more reliable electricity. Conservation Update: Researchers report rising West African leopard density in Benin’s Pendjari National Park from 2017 to 2023, a rare bright spot amid security threats. Governance & Compliance: EFCC declared Olusegun Ola Osinkolu wanted over alleged conspiracy, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence.

Aviation & Connectivity: United Nigeria Airlines was admitted as a full member of AFRAA, a boost for West Africa’s airline integration and route expansion plans. Creative Economy: Benin’s KAP Film & Television Academy and SOPA launched a fully sponsored 12-week KAP-SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp in Cotonou, selecting 20 young creatives for “Owning the Narrative” training across Benin and Nigeria. Power Sector Finance: Nigeria’s DisCos collected N801.16bn from customers in Jan–Apr 2026, with April collections at N203.61bn; billing efficiency was 83.32% and collection efficiency 80.66%, despite ongoing outages. Education Finance Oversight: Edo State queried AAU VC over students’ failure to access NELFUND funds, demanding urgent response ahead of a July 10 deadline. Tourism & Jobs: Edo State’s 2026 Summit, exhibition and fashion show aims to reposition the state as a tourism destination and drive investment and employment. Governance & Appointments: Edo Assembly confirmed a non-indigene commissioner-nominee, stressing competence over origin. Regional Development Finance: The World Bank approved $323m in regional packages including Togo, targeting energy access, jobs and resilience—relevant to the wider Benin corridor.

Air Connectivity Boost: Ghana’s Parliament ratified air services agreements with Benin, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Guyana, Luxembourg and Qatar, aiming to unlock direct passenger and cargo routes. Banking Expansion Watch: Côte d’Ivoire is drawing new lenders, with Mauritius Commercial Bank planning operations after Zenith Bank’s Francophone push—another sign Abidjan remains a West Africa growth magnet. Digital Civic Space: RFLD joined partners in Harare for the first NAFASI consortium meeting, reaffirming a three-year effort to protect Africa’s digital civic space. Edo Tourism Push: Edo State’s 2026 summit, exhibition and fashion show is positioned to reposition the state as a tourism destination and jobs engine. Power Sector Reality Check: Nigeria’s DisCos improved collections in April but billing efficiency slipped, while planned TCN outages in Ondo will disrupt supply for hours. Education Finance: Edo queried AAU’s VC over students’ failure to access NELFUND funds, with a response deadline set. Tech for Creators: Google launched a Ksh129.5m fund to support independent African game studios with equity-free financing and mentorship. Community Complaints: Residents of Warrake, Ivbiaro and Ihievbe petition BEDC over blackouts and alleged overbilling/disconnections. Agriculture & Jobs via World Bank: The World Bank approved $323m for regional projects including Togo/Benin/Côte d’Ivoire social cohesion and energy access, targeting jobs and resilience.

Electricity Revenue Watch: Nigeria’s DisCos still collected big money despite outages, with April revenue at N203.61bn and total Jan–Apr collections reaching N801.16bn, even as uncollected bills stayed high. Planned Power Disruption (Ondo): TCN’s Benin Region flagged a 10-hour outage on its Ondo 132/33kV substation (8am–6pm) for transformer and line-bay transfer works, with BEDC unable to supply Okitipupa and Ondo Town during the period. Cooking Gas Relief: LPG prices eased after improved supply and lower depot costs, with many cities now seeing roughly N1,100–N1,650 per kg depending on location. Customs & Trade Security: Customs leaders discussed how to better protect society from drug trafficking, stressing faster intelligence sharing and stronger cooperation with police and the judiciary. Benin Solar Investment: Toyota Tsusho won an EPC contract to install a 50MW/160MWh battery storage system for three Pobè solar plants, aiming to stabilize the grid and boost reliability. Cultural Heritage Returns: Switzerland agreed to return 18 Benin Kingdom artefacts (“Benin bronzes”) to Nigeria, marking another step in heritage recovery and anti-illicit trade efforts. Education Pressure (ASUU): ASUU Benin Zone issued an end-of-July ultimatum for Edo, Delta and Ondo to implement the 2025 FG/ASUU agreement or face an indefinite strike across seven state universities.

Power & Grid Reliability: TCN’s Benin Region scheduled a 10-hour outage at the Ondo 132/33kV substation (8am–6pm) for transformer commissioning and line-bay transfer, with BEDC unable to supply customers in Okitipupa and Ondo Town during the period. Electricity Consumer Rights: Communities in Warrake, Ivbiaro and Ihievbe petitioned BEDC over repeated blackouts and alleged unlawful overbilling/disconnections, citing NERC consumer protection rules and disputes over infrastructure investments. Energy Investment: Toyota Tsusho won an EPC contract to install a 50MW/160MWh battery energy storage system for three Pobè solar plants, targeting completion around Sept 2027 and aiming to stabilize grid output. Market Relief: Cooking gas (LPG) prices eased after improved supply, with many cities seeing ranges around ₦1,100–₦1,650 per kg depending on location. Agribusiness & Food Security: The World Food Prize Foundation recognized African agri-food innovators with major awards at DialogueNEXT in Nairobi. Education & Labour: ASUU Benin Zone issued an end-of-July ultimatum to Edo, Delta and Ondo over the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement, warning of indefinite strikes in seven state universities. Security Outlook: A new assessment flagged 10 security flashpoints across Nigeria, warning armed groups could expand kidnappings and attacks if action is delayed. Culture & Heritage: Switzerland returned 18 Benin Kingdom artefacts (“Benin bronzes”) to Nigeria, adding to ongoing efforts to recover looted heritage.

Aviation Integration: United Nigeria Airlines was admitted as a full member of AFRAA, expanding West African connectivity and opening the door to more joint projects and capacity building. Power & Investment: Toyota Tsusho won a new order to install battery energy storage systems (BESS) for Benin’s solar plants in Pobé, aiming to smooth output fluctuations and improve after-sunset supply. Higher Education Industrial Action: ASUU Benin Zone threatened an indefinite strike across seven state universities in Edo, Delta and Ondo if the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement isn’t implemented in July salaries, including arrears and allowance adjustments. Tourism Development: Edo State said the Museum of West African Arts ownership dispute will be resolved after a presidential committee report, while the state and Nigeria’s tourism authority push to revive the Tourism Master Plan. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: NDLEA intercepted 558,900 Tramadol pills and arrested three suspects in Lagos, with the drugs allegedly smuggled from Togo via Benin. Regional Weather Risk: Ghana’s GMet warned more rain and thunderstorms as flooding disrupts movement in Greater Accra, with a developing Togo-Benin coastal system expected to intensify.

ASUU Industrial Action Watch: ASUU Benin zone issued an end-of-July ultimatum to Edo, Delta and Ondo governments to implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement or face an indefinite strike, citing unpaid CATA and allowances plus arrears for state universities. Roads & Business Impact: Peter Obi urged Nigeria’s federal government to pause new road projects and instead rehabilitate existing highways, pointing to the Asaba–Benin corridor as a key trade and transport artery now worsening congestion and costs. Aviation Integration: United Nigeria Airlines was admitted as a full member of AFRAA, expanding West African connectivity and opening doors for partnerships, advocacy and capacity building. Power Storage for Solar: Toyota Tsusho won an order to install battery energy storage systems for Benin’s Pobé solar plants, aiming to smooth output fluctuations and improve reliability as Benin still relies on imports. Cross-border Drug Crackdown: NDLEA intercepted 558,900 tramadol pills from Togo via Benin into Nigeria and also seized N12.3bn cannabis and arrested suspects, underscoring Benin-linked trafficking routes. Agroforestry Research Push: A multi-university project (including Benin’s National University of Agriculture) will train MSc/PhD students and staff to strengthen agroforestry research for climate mitigation across Africa. Cybercrime Crackdown: Kebbi vowed to dismantle the “Yan Vocal” syndicate accused of social-media hacking, blackmail and extortion, with alleged links reaching across West Africa including Benin.

Aviation & Trade: United Nigeria Airlines was admitted as a full member of AFRAA, a boost for Nigeria’s aviation footprint and its West Africa connectivity, with the carrier operating 14 domestic routes (including Benin) and planning new routes this year. Drug Enforcement & Cross-Border Commerce: Nigeria’s NDLEA seized 4,959kg of Canadian “loud” cannabis worth about ₦12.4bn at Lagos’s Apapa Port and arrested a China-bound businesswoman with 7.5kg of cocaine at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, alongside other trafficking busts. Cybercrime Crackdown: Kebbi State vowed to dismantle the “Yan Vocal” cybercrime syndicate, alleging social media hacking, fake identities, and blackmail targeting victims across Nigeria and neighboring countries including Benin. Security & Public Safety: Edo State police rescued 11 kidnapping victims and arrested suspects over a fake abduction plot, while the Benin Kingdom’s Oba announced a “spiritual warfare” campaign against kidnappers and bandits. Mobility & Investment: Electric mobility firm Spiro secured over $270m to expand across Africa, including operations in Benin, supported by new Chinese investment. Sports & Youth: Benin City Youth League fined Dynamo Academica ₦100,000 over awards protocol at the league’s closing ceremony.

Drug Enforcement: NDLEA arrested a 38-year-old businesswoman, Iwebema Ogechi Peace, at Lagos’ MMIA with 7.5kg of cocaine hidden in a false bottom, and seized 4,959kg of “Canadian Loud” cannabis worth about ₦12.397bn at Apapa Port after weeks of tracking. Kidnapping & Public Safety: Edo Police rescued 11 abducted people in Iyahmo, Etsako East, after a gun battle, and arrested two men accused of staging a fake kidnapping to extort ₦4m. Insecurity Policy Debate: Edo’s former governor Adams Oshiomhole backed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proposed death penalty for kidnappers and bandits, while also reiterating support for state police. Local Business & Governance: Okpebholo said Edo’s promised 2.5m votes for Tinubu in 2027 will come from development projects, pointing to the ultra-modern Jattu Market in Etsako West. Electric Mobility Investment: Spiro secured over $270m to expand electric mobility across Africa, including operations in Benin, with a fresh $55m investment from NewTrails Capital. Tourism & Market Access: A new report highlights Africa’s tourism rebound in 2025, but flags that much of the booking power sits with foreign platforms that take booking fees. Infrastructure & Trade Linkages: Ogun State says the 28km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway stretch in Ogun will be completed before end-2026, aimed at boosting the planned Ogun Deep Sea Port and coastal investment. Sports Governance: Benin City Youth League fined Dynamo Academica ₦100,000 over awards presented outside the official ceremony protocol.

Electric Mobility Investment: Spiro secured over $270m in fresh funding to scale electric mobility across Africa, including a $55m investment from China’s NewTrails Capital, as it expands EV rollout and smart battery-swap infrastructure in markets that include Benin. Power & Grid Reliability: Traders and residents near Edo’s Egor market narrowly escaped death after TCN transmission lines exploded and caught fire, triggering voltage instability and outages that briefly disrupted electricity supply to the Lagos corridor. Elections & Voter Registration: INEC stepped up Continuous Voter Registration sensitisation in Benin City markets ahead of the July 10 deadline for the third phase, urging eligible residents and PVC holders to register or resolve card issues. Agribusiness Exports: Benin pineapple exporters extended shipments later into the year due to unusually strong European demand, after earlier export delays linked to dry-matter compliance checks. Water & Regional Planning: The AfDB is set to fund preparation of bankable water projects for the transboundary Mono River basin shared by Togo and Benin, supporting ecosystem restoration and future investment pipelines. Governance & Oversight: The ICC judges’ latest legal push against US sanctions highlights wider financial and travel restrictions affecting officials, including Benin’s Reine Alapini-Gansou.

AES Coordination: The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) held a June 23–25 strategic workshop in Ouagadougou to align Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger positions ahead of future ECOWAS talks. Elections in Benin City: INEC is pushing the final phase of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Benin markets, with registration ending July 10 and residents urged to fix PVC issues or register before the deadline. Electricity Disruption: Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says explosions and faults on the Benin–Egbin and Benin–Omotoso 330kV lines triggered grid voltage instability, disrupting Lagos supply; restoration is underway. Energy & LNG Watch: Lloyds Energy says it’s evaluating LNG and downstream gas opportunities as Benin’s 2019 TotalEnergies floating LNG plan still lacks major public updates. Agribusiness Exports: Beninese pineapple exporters report an extended European demand season into June, after earlier shipment issues led to tighter controls. Security & Crime Crackdown (Edo): Edo police continue a manhunt for an alleged arms supplier linked to the Vegetable Market kidnapping, while investigations expand after arrests and confessions. Rule of Law / Sanctions: ICC judges including Benin’s Reine Alapini-Gansou sued the Trump administration in New York, calling US sanctions a “financial death penalty” aimed at pressuring the court.

Elections & Transport Politics: In Ebonyi State, transport unions endorsed Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as their sole candidate for the 2027 governorship, praising reforms and the EBOCAB transport initiative that introduced technology and new commuter buses. Security & Local Governance: Edo State ex-LG council chairmen urged the Federal Government to allocate 20% of the defence budget directly to local governments to fund community policing, youth jobs and surveillance—arguing insecurity is rooted in weak grassroots capacity. Power & Grid Reliability: In Edo, traders at Egor Market narrowly escaped death after TCN transmission lines exploded and caught fire, triggering voltage instability that spread to the Lagos corridor; TCN says Benin–Egbin 330kV has been restored while Benin–Omotoso faults are being fixed. Edo Markets & Voter Registration: INEC launched CVR sensitisation in Benin City markets ahead of the July 10 deadline for the third phase, urging eligible residents and PVC holders with issues to register. Judicial Independence: ICC judges including Benin’s Reine Alapini-Gansou sued the US over sanctions tied to ICC investigations, arguing the measures are unlawful and meant to pressure the court. Digital Finance: Wave met Cameroon’s regulators and tax authorities to deepen digital payments and financial inclusion, focusing on transaction security and broader adoption. Health & Outbreak Watch: Africa CDC warned Ebola deaths rose to 89 in one week, with treatment centres near capacity and hotspots concentrated in Ituri and North Kivu.

Power & Grid Stability: Nigeria’s TCN confirmed a major Lagos-area outage after voltage instability spread across the grid, tripping generating stations and lines; the Benin–Egbin 330kV line was restored while engineers work to fix the Benin–Omotoso 330kV line. Local Electrification: Egor Council in Benin City plans to distribute 10 new 500KVA transformers across 10 wards to cut outages and support small businesses, alongside new Toyota Sienna vehicles for security units. Transboundary Water Planning: AfDB will fund €1m for water investment preparation in the Togo-Benin Mono River basin via the African Water Facility, supporting a master plan and an investment pipeline. Security & Crime Crackdown (Edo): Edo police expanded a manhunt for a suspected arms supplier linked to the Vegetable Market kidnapping, while separate operations foiled a Benin–Abraka Road kidnap attempt and rescued bus passengers. Market Kidnap Breakthrough: Investigators say a stolen Lexus RX 350 used by kidnappers was traced back to an earlier victim after the gang repainted and circulated it around Benin City. Business Leadership: CAP Plc appointed Jethro Iruobe as executive director, reinforcing leadership as the paints and coatings firm pursues growth. Health: Africa CDC warned Ebola deaths rose to 89 in one week, with treatment centres near capacity and calls for earlier detection plus expanded facilities. Trade/Industry (Regional): Togo met 53.3% of electricity demand through domestic generation in 2024, with Nigeria the biggest import supplier; Benin contributed a small share. Legal/Geopolitics: ICC judges from Canada, Uganda and Benin sued the US over sanctions, arguing they are unlawful and meant to pressure the court.

Security & Trade Routes: Edo State Police say they’ve launched a manhunt for a suspected arms supplier (“Liberty/Chief Security Officer”) tied to a vegetable market kidnapping in Benin City, after a female victim identified the gang members; four suspects were arrested (one killed) and confessions link the case to other crimes. Power & Business Continuity: TCN confirmed a Lagos corridor outage caused by grid voltage instability on June 25, with restoration of the Benin–Egbin 330kV line and ongoing work to fully fix the Benin–Omotoso line. Local Electrification: Egor Council in Benin City plans to distribute 10 new 500KVA transformers (one per ward) plus two Toyota Sienna vehicles to security units, aiming to cut outages and support small businesses. Infrastructure Delivery: BAECC says reconstruction on the Benin–Agbor–Asaba expressway is still on course despite localized flooding concerns along the Amufi/Iguomo axis. Health & Supply Chains: Africa CDC warns Ebola deaths rose to 89 in a week, with treatment centres at 95% bed occupancy and hotspots including Benin in North Kivu. Tech & Entrepreneurship: CAP Plc appoints Jethro Iruobe as executive director, strengthening leadership as it pursues growth in paints and coatings. Regional Business Signals: Spotify data shows football podcast listening rising across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Benin and Togo flat in June vs earlier months.