AGP Executive Report

APC Primaries: Prof. Mohammed Yahaya Kuta congratulated Niger State Governor Umaru Bago after his APC gubernatorial win, calling it a “triumph of competence” and pointing to the party’s peaceful, transparent process. Party Politics: APC also declared Bago the unopposed 2027 governorship candidate in Niger State, as lawmakers-elect were urged to stay united and focused on development. Niger State Spending Scrutiny: New budget documents raise eyebrows over Niger State’s capital purchases—another N1.5bn for executive tables and chairs for guest houses behind Government House, despite about N1.6bn spent on similar items in 2025. Security & Terror: President Tinubu confirmed the killing of ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint US-Nigeria operation, a major shake-up for the Sahel/Lake Chad threat picture. Migration Pressure: Morocco launched mass deportations to block Europe-bound routes, with the EU’s externalization strategy tied to the crackdown. Agriculture: One Acre Fund Nigeria flagged off input delivery for 88,000 smallholder farmers across Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Plateau.

Capital Spending Scrutiny: Niger State’s 2026 budget is drawing fresh backlash after documents showed another N1.5bn planned for executive tables and chairs for guest houses behind Government House—on top of about N1.6bn spent on similar items in 2025—while other priorities like water facilities got far less. Courtroom Fight: A UK aviation firm pushing for payment of a $7.6m arbitral award says Niger’s New York City property is fair game for seizure to satisfy the claim. Agriculture Support: One Acre Fund Nigeria has kicked off its 2026 input delivery for 88,000 smallholder farmers in Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Plateau, pairing fertiliser and seeds with credit and training to lift rainy-season yields. Mining Governance: Niger State moves to stop illegal fees in the mining sector, warning local coordinators of dismissal if they extort miners or collect money without authority. Regional Pressure on Livestock Trade: Ivory Coast’s Eid al-Adha supply is tightening as Burkina Faso and Niger export bans, plus jihadist roadblocks in Mali, keep sheep and cattle stuck at borders.

Farm Credit Push: One Acre Fund Nigeria has kicked off its 2026 input delivery for 88,000 smallholder farmers in Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Plateau, bundling fertiliser, seeds and protective gear with training and repayable credit for the rainy season. Insurance Earnings: Mutual Benefits Assurance says 2025 net profit jumped 45%, lifted by higher insurance service results and revenue growth, with motor insurance still the biggest contributor. Agri-Tech Research: A Turkish study unveiled an Agrivoltaic Innovation Index to judge how ready agrivoltaics research is to move from papers to real farms. Maritime Momentum: Morocco is accelerating port expansion to boost logistics clout, while Ghana is advancing a coastal water transport plan after near-completing consultant selection for a feasibility study. Political Mobilisation: Anambra’s Renewed Hope Ambassadors begin mobilisation for APC presidential primaries ahead of Tinubu’s 2027 bid. Security & Education: Nigeria’s school violence remains in focus after fresh warnings tied to teacher killings and abductions, with ASUU also warning of another university crisis if agreements aren’t fully implemented.

Security Clampdown: Nigeria and the U.S. report killing 175 Islamic State fighters in a joint operation, with officials saying weapons, checkpoints and finance networks were hit and no U.S./Nigerian troops were harmed. Kidnapping Crisis: In Oyo State, the beheading of teacher Michael Oyedokun after school abductions has renewed pressure for faster rescue and stronger protection for schools. Agriculture Support: Niger State set aside N2bn credit facilities for women farmers, plus tractors and input support, as it pushes recovery from post-harvest losses. Mining Accountability: Niger State moves to stop illegal fee collection in the mining sector, warning coordinators found extorting miners could be dismissed. Maritime Push: Nigeria’s ports chief Abubakar Dantsoho says Africa can’t grow with obsolete ports, calling for deep-sea upgrades and technology. Flood Readiness: NEMA flags 11 Niger LGAs as high flood-risk zones for 2026. Politics: Niger APC declares Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago as its unopposed 2027 governorship candidate.

Maritime Push in Ghana: Ghana’s Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey says the Mahama government will modernise ports and logistics to make the country a West Africa maritime hub, citing 24-hour port operations, the $1.5bn Tema Port expansion, and a plan to turn Takoradi into an oil-and-gas hub, while accelerating the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal to strengthen trade links for landlocked neighbours like Niger. Niger Flood Watch: Nigeria’s NEMA flags 11 Niger State LGAs as high flood-risk ahead of the 2026 rainy season, using NiMet and NIHSA forecasts. Niger Politics: Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago emerges as APC’s unopposed governorship candidate for 2027, with party leaders urging unity and discipline ahead of the election. Maritime Trade Pressure: Nigeria’s ports chief warns Africa can’t grow with obsolete infrastructure, calling for deeper, modern ports and digital upgrades to handle bigger vessels. US-Nigeria Counter-IS: Nigeria reports 175 Islamic State fighters killed in joint US-Nigeria strikes, with US commanders telling lawmakers Africa is now the “epicenter of global terrorism.” Oil Deal Pivot in Niger: Niger signs major oil accords with China, relaunching Dinga Deep and Abolo-Yogou and seeking higher output and more control over exports.

Russia–Africa Push: Russia says it will hold a Russia-Africa summit in October, with early talks pointing to new deals—especially with Mali—aimed at deepening Moscow’s political, military and economic ties as Western pressure grows. Sahel Reality Check: US commanders warn Africa has become the “epicenter of global terrorism,” citing ISIS/al-Qaeda expansion and warning that reduced US presence is creating an “intelligence black hole.” Nigeria Counterterror Update: Nigeria and the US report killing 175 Islamic State fighters in joint strikes, including senior leaders Abu Bakr al-Mainuki and Abd-al Wahhab, while police intensify efforts after recent school abductions in Oyo. Niger Oil Pivot: Niger signs major oil agreements with China, relaunching projects worth about $1bn and securing a 45% stake in an export pipeline—after months of disputes. Trade Signals: China’s May 1 zero-tariff push is already moving goods, with Kenya’s first avocado shipments landing in China.

Counterterror Update: Nigeria says US-Nigeria joint strikes have killed 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, with the military adding that another senior coordinator, Abd-al Wahhab, was eliminated and weapons, checkpoints, and financial networks were hit—while AFRICOM says no US or Nigerian troops were harmed. Intelligence & Capacity: US commanders told lawmakers Africa is now the “epicenter of global terrorism,” warning that shrinking forces have created an “intelligence black hole,” even as the latest operations suggest deeper coordination with Abuja. Regional Security Pressure: In Oyo State, abductions and the killing of a teacher are driving fresh calls for stronger local security powers, including renewed support for state police and empowered community groups. Trade & Deals: Niger’s junta says it has reached new oil agreements with China, including relaunching projects and taking a 45% stake in a West African pipeline company. Africa Trade Momentum: China’s May 1 zero-tariff push is already showing up in early Kenya avocado shipments to China, signaling real export gains.

Counterterror Update: Nigeria says a joint U.S.-Nigeria operation has killed 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, following the earlier killing of ISWAP’s global second-in-command Abu-Bakr al-Manuki and the reported elimination of another senior coordinator, Abd-al Wahhab—while AFRICOM confirms no U.S. or Nigerian casualties. Security Pressure in the South-West: Oyo State’s Oriire abductions and the killing of a teacher have triggered fresh calls for stronger state policing and faster rescue efforts as panic spreads. U.S. Lawmakers Alarm: A U.S. Africa Command chief told Congress Africa is now the “epicenter of global terrorism,” warning of an “intelligence black hole” amid reduced U.S. presence and growing extremist reach. Regional Arms Reality Check: Niger’s former army chief says non-state actors in the Sahel hold about 14 million firearms, urging regional action to block supply sources. Trade & Integration: AfCFTA leaders warn the single market risks stalling unless border bottlenecks and non-tariff barriers are cut—while China’s zero-tariff push is already showing early export gains for African farmers.

Counterterror Update: Nigeria says fresh US-Nigeria joint strikes have killed 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, while US Africa Command confirms no US or Nigerian troops were harmed—continuing a push that followed the earlier killing of ISWAP’s senior leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. Sahel Security Debate: US commanders warn that a shrinking AFRICOM footprint has created an “intelligence black hole,” leaving the Sahel harder to respond to quickly. Niger Crackdown: Niger State stepped up enforcement against illegal mining, arresting seven suspects and seizing motorcycles in Minna. France-Africa Politics: Macron’s “Pan-Africanist” pitch is being challenged as France pivots its Africa strategy toward anglophone hubs like Nairobi, with critics calling it a rebranding of imperialism. Trade & Industry: NCCIMA’s DG praises Dangote’s investments as a driver of Africa’s industrialisation, while China’s zero-tariff move is already boosting African exports to its market.

Counterterror Update: Nigeria and the US carried out fresh strikes on ISIS/ISWAP in the northeast, with Nigeria saying at least 20 militants were killed, as the region remains a hotspot for attacks and kidnappings. High-Profile Target: The operations follow the earlier joint killing of ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in the Lake Chad Basin, a move both governments hailed as a major blow to ISIS coordination. Sahel Security Reality Check: A new security map argues the AES project has failed “systematically,” with Burkina Faso described as the most catastrophic case and large areas effectively contested. Local Enforcement: Niger State stepped up illegal mining crackdowns, arresting seven suspects and seizing motorcycles in Minna. Health Focus: Nigeria’s malaria fight is still stuck despite nets and clean-up campaigns, with reports pointing to funding gaps and rising resistance. Industry Spotlight: NCCIMA praised Dangote’s industrial push as a driver of Africa’s industrialisation. Food Prices: Nigeria’s food inflation edged above headline inflation in April, raising pressure on household budgets.

US-Nigeria Counterterror Push: Nigeria and the United States carried out fresh strikes on Islamic State targets in northeast Nigeria, with Nigeria saying at least 20 militants were killed, as the operation continues after the recent killing of ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in the Lake Chad Basin. Security Architecture at Home: President Tinubu’s new Homeland Security adviser, retired Maj. Gen. Adeyinka Famadewa, is meant to tighten intelligence and coordination—coming as kidnappings and attacks keep testing Nigeria’s response capacity. Food Prices: Nigeria’s food inflation jumped above headline inflation in April for the first time in eight months, adding pressure to household budgets. Africa-France Pivot: Nairobi’s Africa Forward Summit (May 11–12) brings Macron and 30 African leaders to talk innovation, growth and security, while critics say France is recalibrating as Sahel ties sour. Trade Potential: A report says AfCFTA could lift intra-Africa commerce to 53% if implementation hurdles—like free movement—are cleared. Rivers Sports Ready: Rivers State says arrangements are complete for FEDUGAM 2026 in Port Harcourt, starting May 19.

Food Prices Bite Back: Nigeria’s food inflation jumped to 16.06% in April 2026, overtaking headline inflation (15.69%) for the first time in eight months—after months when overall prices were rising faster than food. Counterterrorism Shock: Nigeria and the US confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global second-in-command, in a joint Lake Chad Basin operation—another high-profile blow, but officials stress the fight is far from over. Security at Schools: Suspected militants in Borno abducted 42 pupils from a school and nearby homes, renewing fears over weak protection in insurgency-hit areas. Sahel Politics & France: France’s Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi (11–12 May) is framed as innovation and security cooperation, but critics say it signals a strategic pivot amid backlash to France’s Sahel retreat. Business Spotlight: NCCIMA praised Dangote’s Pan-African investment push, while Niger State’s trade fair coverage highlights private-sector industrial hopes.

Counterterrorism: Nigeria and the US say a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global second-in-command, with reports pointing to strikes around Borno State and the killing of several lieutenants—while officials stress the war isn’t over. Kidnapping Crisis: Suspected Islamist militants abducted 42 pupils and children in Borno’s Askira-Uba area, renewing pressure on school security. Hajj Logistics: NAHCON reports 32,539 Nigerian pilgrims airlifted to Saudi Arabia via 80 flights, with new batches departing from Maiduguri and Minna. Agriculture: Zuma Agric Radio flagged off the 2026 planting season with farmer training and input support in Niger State. Politics & Primaries: APC House of Reps primaries proceed across states amid calls from Tinubu to avoid “do-or-die” infighting. Cost of Living: Nigeria’s headline inflation rose to 15.69% in April, driven mainly by food and transport pressures. Health Watch: WHO warns nicotine pouches are rapidly spreading among youth as regulation lags.

Counterterror Strike: The US and Nigeria say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global second-in-command, in a joint operation in Borno’s Lake Chad Basin—Trump called it “flawlessly executed,” while Nigeria said it hit a key ISWAP-linked compound and several lieutenants. Security Reality Check: Even with the high-profile kill, analysts stress the war isn’t over—ISIS/ISWAP networks still operate across the Sahel and borders. Political Mobilisation: In Niger State, constituents held special prayer sessions for Tinubu, Gov Bago and Sen. Sani Musa ahead of party primaries. Cost of Living Pressure: Nigeria’s headline inflation rose to 15.69% in April, driven mainly by food and transport costs, with sharp state-by-state differences. Migration Watch: IOM reports irregular migration flows from Libya fell about 17% in Q1 2026, though arrivals via western routes rose. Sahel Diplomacy: France’s Africa Forward summit in Nairobi is drawing fresh backlash, with critics saying it’s a bid to rebrand influence as Sahel ties fray.

Counterterror Strike: Nigeria and the U.S. say a joint raid in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as IS’s global second-in-command, dealing a major blow to ISWAP’s media, finance and weapons/drone operations. Sahel Politics: SAS-CaN strongly objects to France and allies “humiliating” Sahel leaders, as the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi spotlights renewed French engagement amid deep mistrust. Oil & Gas Stability: Nigeria’s crude output hit 99.2% of its OPEC quota in May, with operators crediting reduced vandalism and better community cooperation around pipeline surveillance. Cost of Living: Inflation climbed to 15.69% in April as food and transport costs rose, even as month-on-month price growth slowed. Education Tension: Thousands of PTA part-time teachers in Federal Unity Colleges reportedly begin withdrawing services over pay and regularisation delays. Mining Crackdown: Nigeria says 327 illegal miners were arrested, including foreign suspects linked to terrorism financing.

Terror Tech Crackdown: Nigeria’s military says it intercepted 400 Starlink devices tied to terrorists in the North-East, aiming to choke communications and logistics. Foreign Military Debate: Kenya’s defence pact with France is back in the spotlight after reports of legal immunity for French troops—critics warn it could weaken sovereignty and create unequal justice. Education Fallout: PTA part-time teachers in Federal Unity Colleges have started withdrawing services over poor pay and delayed regularisation. Inflation Pressure: Nigeria’s headline inflation rose to 15.69% in April (from 15.38%), with food and transport still driving costs. Security & Mining: Authorities arrested 327 illegal miners, including foreign suspects linked to terrorism financing. Infrastructure Push: Tinubu says a 1,000km road is under construction to connect Sokoto-Badagry and link Ghana and Benin. Trade & Shipping: Global maritime firms are expanding in West Africa as rerouted shipping boosts demand for bunkering and repairs.