AGP Executive Report

UN & Africa Policy: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, tasking her with steering UNDP’s Africa engagement across governance, economic transformation and Agenda 2030. Trade & Integration: ECOWAS ministers in Accra pushed “mine together, process together” to move West African minerals into value-added industries and boost intra-regional trade under AfCFTA. Regional Energy & Finance: EBRD approved a $20m trade line for BOA-Benin to back import-export operations and support Benin’s private sector, while West Africa gas stakeholders met in Accra to deepen market integration along the Nigeria–Benin–Togo–Ghana pipeline. Capital Markets: BRVM CEO Edoh Kossi Amenounve urged global investors to increase exposure to the WAEMU stock exchange, highlighting growth-linked returns and cross-country financing. Security & Business Risk: Nigeria’s Democracy Day address claimed insurgency progress, but the wider region remains volatile; in Edo, schools reopened after security reviews following alleged school-attack plots. Digital & AI: Google expanded Chrome’s Ask Gemini rollout to Benin and other African markets, adding AI search help for users. Education Integrity: NABTEB said it is using GPS and stronger collaboration with ICPC to curb exam fraud. Public Health & Safety: NDLEA destroyed 73.46 tonnes of illicit drugs in Edo valued at about N2.8bn.

Regional Trade & Industry: ECOWAS ministers in Accra backed “mine together, process together,” pushing value addition and industrialisation to lift Africa’s low export share and boost intra-regional commerce under AfCFTA. Capital Markets: The BRVM’s CEO urged global investors to “come to Africa,” saying West Africa’s multi-country exchange is built on fast-growing economies and can finance regional growth. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: EBRD approved a $20m trade line for BOA-Benin to support import-export operations and Benin’s private sector. Security & Business Continuity: Edo reopened schools shut over kidnap threats after enhanced safety measures, while Edo also trained 500 forest guards to protect farmlands and forests. Public Finance & Governance: Nigeria’s Tinubu marked Democracy Day with claims of killing 13,000 insurgents and cutting violence, as the administration faces scrutiny ahead of re-election. AfCFTA Growth Outlook: AfCFTA’s secretary-general said intra-African trade is on track for $250bn in 2026, citing Lagos as a key industrialisation hub. Illicit Trade & Regulation: NDLEA destroyed 73,463kg of drugs in Edo valued at N2.8bn, underscoring enforcement pressure on trafficking networks. Digital Economy: ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra used a local firm (00SEC) to build defenses for governments, banks and infrastructure. Human Rights & Risk: Niger enacted tougher LGBTQ penalties, a move likely to affect regional social stability and investment sentiment.

Regional Finance & Markets: BRVM CEO Edoh Kossi Amenounve urged global investors to “come to Africa,” saying the West African stock exchange is a fast-growing gateway for WAEMU economies, with international investors already holding about 30% of assets. Trade Integration: AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said intra-African trade is on track to hit $250bn in 2026 (from $220bn in 2025), with 50 countries implementing the deal and protocols now concluded. Benin Business Support: EBRD is granting BOA-BENIN a $20m trade line to back import-export activity and support Benin’s private sector via guarantees under its Trade Facilitation Programme. Security & Social Stability (Edo): NDLEA destroyed 73,463kg of illicit drugs worth N2.8bn in Benin City, while Edo authorities also moved to recruit 1,000 forest guards and warned of rising youth drug abuse. Digital Economy: ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra used local firm 00SEC to set scenarios for 12 national teams, pushing homegrown capacity for protecting banks and infrastructure. Energy & Infrastructure (Gas): West Africa Gas Summit in Accra backed deeper gas market integration, highlighting the pipeline’s role from Nigeria through Benin and Togo to Ghana.

AfCFTA Trade Push: AfCFTA’s Wamkele Mene says intra-African trade is on track for $250bn in 2026 (up from $220bn in 2025), urging countries to build stronger domestic markets as global shocks bite. Regional Energy & Trade Finance: EBRD is granting BOA-BENIN a $20m trade line to back Benin’s import-export activity and support the private sector. Gas Integration Pressure: West Africa’s gas summit in Accra renewed calls for deeper gas market integration, even as the West Africa Gas Pipeline faces unpaid invoice issues. Digital Security for Business: ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra runs June 8–11 with Benin among 12 teams, and a local firm (00SEC) designed the challenge scenarios—aimed at protecting governments, banks and infrastructure. Illegal Gambling Costs: Ghana’s lottery regulator warns illegal gambling is draining national revenues, citing losses of over GH¢1bn annually and naming Benin among affected markets. Edo Security & Social Impact: Edo State is training 500 forest guards (with plans to reach 1,000) and has dismissed claims of unpaid teachers while pledging environmental protection collaboration. Trafficking Crackdown: In Edo, a couple was arrested after an attempted sale of a two-year-old toddler for ₦3m, thwarted by community security operatives. Telecom Growth: Nigeria’s NCC reports thousands of new network sites and expanding fibre to ease congestion and improve service quality. AI in the Browser: Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, including Benin, as AI search features roll out across more African locales.

Security & Education: Edo State moved to shut schools in Akoko-Edo after DSS warned of a planned mass abduction of students, with officials citing intercepted talks and a suspect arrested during surveillance. Local Security Build-out: Edo also began training 500 forest guards (with plans to reach 1,000) to secure forests and farmlands, while the state dismissed claims of unpaid teacher salaries as politically motivated. Environment & Governance: Edo pledged closer work with Nigeria’s Environment Ministry to curb encroachment in national parks, including setting up a committee. Infrastructure & Contractors: Works Minister David Umahi warned contractors on the Lokoja–Benin corridor and Abuja–Lokoja road not to delay or block access beyond 14 days, pushing for visible progress. Trade & Markets: AfCFTA projected intra-African trade could hit $250bn this year, driven by deeper integration despite finance and logistics bottlenecks. Digital & Business: Google expanded Chrome’s Ask Gemini rollout to Benin and other African markets, while Nigeria’s telecom regulator highlighted fibre expansion and compensation for poor service. Gaming Integrity: Nigeria’s National Lottery Authority urged stronger action against illegal gambling, citing revenue losses affecting countries including Benin. Sports Economy: FIFA’s $355m windfall will benefit clubs like Enyimba and Remo Stars for releasing players during World Cup qualifiers. Finance & Compliance: EFCC interrogated a banker and BDC operator over alleged ₦3.6bn undisclosed cash transactions outside formal channels. Cybersecurity: West African teams from 12 countries, including Benin, are competing in Accra to build defenses against cybercrime.

Road Infrastructure Oversight: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi warned contractors on the Lokoja–Benin corridor that delays and poor performance will face strict consequences, after inspections showed gaps between reported progress and on-ground work. Security & Education Disruption: Edo State ordered the closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo over DSS intelligence of a planned mass student abduction, while the state also recruited 1,000 forest guards to protect farmlands and curb kidnappers. Youth & Public Safety: Edo vowed tougher enforcement against rising youth drug abuse and flagged self-kidnapping as a threat to public trust. Sports Finance: FIFA’s $355m Club Benefits Programme will pay Enyimba and Remo Stars for releasing players during World Cup qualifiers, with Remo expected to receive about $35,400. Anti-Money Laundering: EFCC interrogated a Benin-based banker and BDC operator over alleged ₦3.6bn cash transactions outside formal channels. Digital Economy: Nigeria’s telecom regulator NCC reported 5,000+ new network sites and pushed fibre expansion as fixed broadband subscriptions rise. Benin Business & Trade: Ecobank Nigeria confirmed preparations for the June 11–14 Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, featuring Benin exhibitors and brands. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro secured US$215m equity to expand electric motorcycles and battery-swapping across African markets including Benin. Cybersecurity Talent: West African teams, including Benin, are competing in an Accra ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon to build defenses against cybercrime.

Telecom Infrastructure Push: Nigeria’s telecom operators have deployed 5,000 new network sites and extended fibre to 700+ locations, while 75m affected subscribers received compensation after service shortfalls, as the NCC steps up coverage and QoS enforcement. Fixed Broadband Momentum: The NCC says fibre expansion is key as fixed broadband FTTH subscriptions jumped from 84,141 (Q4 2025) to 210,065 (Q5 2025), aiming to cut mobile congestion and improve reliability. Security Shock in Edo: Edo State ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo after DSS intelligence warned of a planned mass student abduction; Governor Okpebholo urged unconditional release of victims and condemned kidnapping as a route to power. Roadworks Compliance: Nigeria’s Works Ministry told contractors not to block road access for more than 14 days and issued a 72-hour push for visible progress on the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway. Anti-Money Laundering Case: EFCC in Benin questioned a banker and a bureau de change operator over an alleged $2.5m cash-based laundering scheme. Clean Mobility Funding: Spiro secured $215m equity to expand battery-swapping infrastructure across African markets, including Benin. Tax Digital Reform: WATAF highlighted West Africa’s moves to tax digital services and online activity, with Benin among reforming countries. Sports Finance: FIFA’s $355m Club Benefits Programme will pay clubs releasing players for World Cup qualifiers, with Enyimba and Remo Stars among beneficiaries.

Security & Governance: Nigeria’s Army chief warned that military action alone can’t solve today’s complex threats, calling for stronger intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation as kidnappings and fake news strain operations. Kidnapping Pressure: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo urged abductors to release victims immediately and said political power can’t be won through kidnapping or banditry, while protests and political tensions continue to flare across states. Police Digital Push: Nigeria plans to turn police stations into digital connectivity hubs under Project BRIDGE, extending fibre to all local government areas and linking policing with schools, health facilities and cross-border links including Benin. Anti-Money Laundering: EFCC interrogated a banker and a bureau de change operator in Benin over an alleged $2.5m cash-based money laundering scheme. Tax Reform (Regional): WATAF highlighted digital tax reforms in Nigeria, Benin and others, pushing for regional tools and training to tax online activity. Energy & Business: Seplat named Effiong Okon as incoming CEO and Tony Elumelu as incoming chairman, signaling a push into gas and energy transition. Maritime Sanctions Evasion: A report described Russia’s shadow fleet using West African registries to keep sanctioned vessels trading. Human Trafficking: NAPTIP and GAHTO rescued trafficked Nigerian girls and exposed recruitment schemes sending victims to Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. Insurance Innovation: Turaco won Innovation of the Year at the African Insurance Awards for embedded insurance reaching millions.

Tax Reform & Digital Economy: WATAF says Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Senegal have moved to tax digital services and online activities, with regional tools and training planned to help administrations exchange information and build capacity. Electric Mobility Investment: Spiro secured a $215m equity injection to expand electric vehicles and battery-swapping across African markets including Benin, aiming to scale infrastructure, assembly and jobs. Energy & Power Reliability: TCN pushed back on claims of transmission grid constraints, saying the network can wheel 8,700MW and that dispatch limits come from the wider electricity value chain. Cooking Gas Supply: LPG retailers warn shortages persist despite new imports, with prices still high and access to supply from plant operators remaining difficult. Security & Fraud: Ogun police arrested eight foreign nationals in a staged “self-kidnapping” scheme used to extort ransom from families abroad. Regional Security Approach: UNDP urges Gulf of Guinea responses rooted in community-level socioeconomic fixes, not only policing. Culture & Governance: Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Edo bans unauthorised Igbo traditional titles outside recognised institutions, citing legal and cultural grounds.

Electricity & Power Sector: TCN pushed back on claims of transmission grid constraints, saying the grid can wheel 8,700MW and that dispatch limits come from the wider power value chain. Energy Costs: LPG retailers warned cooking gas scarcity persists despite new imports, with prices reportedly rising to as high as N2,400/kg. Cross-border Crime: Ogun police arrested eight foreign nationals over a staged self-kidnapping scheme used to extort money from families abroad. Human Trafficking: NAPTIP and GAHTO rescued trafficked Nigerian girls allegedly sent under false job promises to Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. Benin-Linked Investment & Jobs: Skyewise Group said it has invested over N9bn in Edo State and created 100+ jobs through a new headquarters in Benin City. Electric Mobility Funding: Spiro secured $215m equity to expand EVs and battery-swapping across African markets including Benin. Regional Security Approach: UNDP urged Gulf of Guinea insecurity responses to be rooted in community-led prevention, citing socioeconomic fragilities. Trade & Markets: Nigeria’s merchandise trade surplus jumped 341% to N7.55tn in Q1 2026, driven by stronger crude exports and lower import spending.

Transnational Crime Crackdown: Ogun State police arrested eight foreign nationals over a fake kidnap-and-ransom scheme, including suspects from Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire and one from Benin, after intelligence traced fraudulent calls to families abroad. Private Sector & Jobs: Skyewise Group says it has invested over N9 billion in Edo State, creating 100+ direct jobs at its new Benin City headquarters and supporting 2,000+ youths through its foundation. Security Pressure Ahead of Elections: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo urged intensified prayers against kidnapping and cultism as 2027 politics nears, stressing Nigeria “does not belong to kidnappers.” Labour Rights at the ILO: The Nigeria Labour Congress took the federal government to the ILO over alleged violations of workers’ rights and anti-union discrimination. Energy & Climate Risk: A study warns climate change could synchronize solar power shortfalls across African regional power pools, raising reliability risks for electricity trade. Business Disruption: Fire gutted sections of the Anambra Supermarket building in Benin City, with traders and residents scrambling as flames spread after a reported power surge.

Benin–West Africa Diplomacy: Benin’s newly sworn-in President Romuald Wadagni has moved quickly to reset regional ties, making high-level visits to Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso as security and cross-border cooperation top the agenda. Benin Tourism & Infrastructure: China is helping transform Ouidah’s former slave-trade port into a waterfront tourism destination, with a La Marina complex planned to link the modern development to the historic “Slave Route” and memorial sites. Edo Security & Public Order: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo urged Nigerians to pray for peace and economic recovery while stressing that “Nigeria does not belong to kidnappers,” as insecurity continues to weigh on business confidence. Public Safety Incident: Fire gutted sections of the Anambra Supermarket building on the Benin-Auchi Road in Benin City, disrupting traders and raising concerns about recurring fire outbreaks. Cross-border Crime Crackdown: NSCDC in Lagos busted an illegal detention camp in Badagry, rescuing 24 victims and arresting four suspected foreign nationals linked to missing persons. Labour Rights Pressure: Nigeria’s labour movement has taken its workers’ rights dispute to the ILO, alleging union interference and rights abuses. Drug Enforcement: NDLEA reported major opioid seizures and arrests, including a 75-year-old suspect in Ebonyi, as it targets trafficking networks.

Edo Security & Public Order: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo urged Nigerians to seek God’s face to beat insecurity, saying “Nigeria does not belong to kidnappers,” while also calling for prayers for President Bola Tinubu and economic recovery. Digital Safety: Edo police arrested TikToker “Aza Woman” for allegedly spreading a false viral report about mass student abductions in Benin City, warning the public to verify information before sharing. Benin–Côte d’Ivoire Trade & Security: Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni met Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, pledging stronger coordination on trade, infrastructure and energy to tackle West Africa’s security and economic pressures. Tourism & Heritage Investment: In Ouidah, Benin is partnering with Chinese state firms to build the La Marina waterfront complex, aiming to boost tourism by linking the modern port to the historic slave route and “Gate of No Return.” Human Security Research: A new study on forest and tree-based foods across Benin, Ethiopia and South Africa warns that shrinking natural food systems and fading indigenous knowledge are undermining rural nutrition and resilience. Skills & Jobs: A 43-country conference in Abuja focused on improving skills and apprenticeship systems, including how to better formalise work in informal economies.

Benin–Côte d’Ivoire Diplomacy: President Romuald Wadagni met Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, agreeing to deepen trade, infrastructure and energy cooperation and strengthen regional coordination to tackle West Africa’s security and economic pressures. Regional Security & Policy: Nigeria’s Oyo school abductions continue to dominate headlines, with abductors reportedly demanding ₦1bn ransom, two Hilux vehicles, Sharia-related concessions and the release of detained Ansaru commanders—an approach authorities say would only embolden attacks. Tax & Jobs Reality Check: Moody’s warns that nearly 88% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s workforce is informal, shrinking tax capacity and weighing on growth—while noting countries like Benin are among the better performers in reducing informality. Water Safety Risk: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health threat, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked. Tourism & Heritage Investment: In Ouidah, Benin is moving ahead with a Chinese-backed La Marina waterfront project to link the modern coast to the historic slave-route and memorial sites, aiming to boost tourism. Energy Disruptions (Cross-border impact): Nigeria’s TCN scheduled daily power outages in Delta State for maintenance until June 16, affecting businesses and households.

IMF Growth Outlook: IMF projections point to broad African growth momentum in 2026, with rates expected to run roughly 5.9% to 9.2%—but Nigeria is projected at 4.1%, keeping it outside the continent’s fastest-growing group. Electric Mobility Investment: Investors are stepping up in Africa’s electric motorcycle and broader e-mobility push, with Spiro announcing a major $215m equity-backed expansion plan. Benin–Sahel Diplomacy: Benin’s new president, Romuald Wadagni, has started reshaping regional ties with a first trip to Niger and Burkina Faso amid AES/ECOWAS tensions, signaling a “reset” approach. Energy Access Tracking: The AfDB launched a public Mission 300 progress tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electricity access projects across Africa, including Benin and the CLSG interconnection. Food & Agri Deal: Wilmar and TGI Group are forming a 50:50 joint venture spanning Nigeria and Benin, targeting a $12bn agri-food market. Tourism & Heritage: China is helping transform Ouidah’s former slave port into a waterfront tourism complex, linking new development to the historic “Slave Route.” Governance & Informality: Moody’s warns informality remains massive in Sub-Saharan Africa—hurting tax capacity and policy effectiveness—while a few countries, including Benin, are cited as improving.

Benin–Sahel Diplomacy: Newly elected Beninese President Romuald Wadagni kicked off a diplomatic reset with visits to Niger and Burkina Faso, signaling a possible thaw with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after years of tension tied to ECOWAS sanctions and border restrictions. West Africa Security & Trade: Wadagni also met Côte d’Ivoire’s Alassane Ouattara, with both leaders pledging stronger coordination on security and fast-tracking cooperation on trade, infrastructure, and energy. Regional Power Access: The AfDB launched a public Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electricity expansion, highlighting active projects in Benin and other priority countries and tracking millions already connected. Food & Agribusiness Deal: TGI Group and Wilmar agreed a 50:50 joint venture covering Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, targeting a $12bn market across palm oil, edible oils, rice, and food manufacturing/distribution. Governance & Revenue Pressure: Moody’s warned that Sub-Saharan Africa’s informal economy is still massive—median 88% of employment and ~36% of official GDP—reducing fiscal capacity and weakening tax collection efforts. Cross-border Crime Crackdown: Nigeria’s NSCDC says it dismantled an illegal detention camp in Lagos’s Badagry area, rescuing 24 victims and arresting four suspects linked to a cross-border syndicate involving Togo, Benin, and Ghana. Justice System Trust: Afrobarometer reported low confidence in formal courts across Africa, with many citizens relying on police, local courts, or traditional leaders to settle disputes.