AGP Executive Report

Security in Niger: Gunfire and explosions hit Niamey early Saturday after attacks on Diori Hamani International Airport and Base 101; security forces reportedly regained control while searches continued. ECOWAS/AES Rift: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger’s ECOWAS exit and AES build-out are deepening a divided security response as jihadists exploit cross-border space and Russia’s Africa Corps expands influence. Healthcare Workforce: Nigeria’s Medical Association (NMA) warns doctors’ exodus is worsening as insecurity and poor pay bite, urging urgent rollout of the 65-year retirement age for clinical health workers and better road access for care. Border & Trade Politics: The Presidency pushes back on Atiku’s promise to “open borders,” saying land borders are already open with controls; Omokri warns reopening plus fuel subsidy could fuel petroleum smuggling. Power & Infrastructure: TCN declares force majeure on the Birnin Kebbi–Niamey 132kV line after three towers collapsed in storms; NERC also flags unpaid electricity bills—Togo, Niger and Benin owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025. Industry/Agri: Niger Foods and Adron Group explore a livestock feedlot and farm estates partnership; IFAD-VCDP trains Niger rice farmers on modern practices. Uranium: Niger awards Arlit uranium mining permit to a state-owned company, signaling tighter national control.

Food & Transport Costs: Traders in Niger State say transport costs to markets have more than doubled, squeezing margins as buyers cut back amid hunger and high prices. Security Operations: Nigeria’s DHQ reports troops rescued 34 abductees and neutralised 21 terrorists in a week, including a clearance operation at Kopre Mountain in Adamawa. Health Infrastructure: Niger State Governor Bago says 57 Primary Healthcare centres are being built or upgraded to expand rural access, including facilities with 24-hour power and water. Power Payments (Regional): NERC says Togo, Niger and Benin owe Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity ancillary services, with remittance performance at 84.9% for international customers. Kidnap Economy: SBM Intelligence estimates 7,825 abductions and about ₦7.8bn ransom paid in a year, with one Boko Haram faction taking 90% of recorded payments. Rail & Logistics: FG says the Kano–Katsina rail line is ~80% complete and targets commissioning by December 2026 despite insecurity and land disputes. Border Trade Debate: Atiku renews calls to reopen land borders and develop southern ports, while Reno Omokri warns it could fuel petroleum smuggling. Electricity Infrastructure (Niger Link): TCN declares force majeure on the Birnin Kebbi–Niamey line after three towers collapsed in storm damage.

Kidnap Economy: SBM Intelligence says Nigeria’s kidnappers collected about ₦7.78bn in ransom between July 2025–June 2026, with 7,825 abductions and 1,142 deaths; payments rose even as demands fell, and one Boko Haram faction reportedly took 90% of recorded ransom. Niger Security Response: Nigeria’s IGP ordered a rescue push in Niger State after mosque abductions in Dekkara/New Bussa; an AIG was deployed to coordinate operations, with police urging villagers to move out for clearance before aid. Bridge Protection: Nigeria’s Works Minister Dave Umahi ordered CCTV and solar streetlights on the First Niger Bridge to stop vandalism that has damaged bolts and expansion joints. Power & Cross-Border Bills: NERC reports Benin, Togo and Niger owed Nigeria $11.16m for 2025 electricity bills, highlighting collection gaps in the regional power market. Rail Delivery Watch: Nigeria reaffirmed the Kano–Katsina rail target for December 2026, citing ~80% physical completion despite insecurity and land disputes. Sahel Governance Debate: AES’s new confederal parliament in Niamey raises questions about democratic legitimacy and whether deputies truly represent citizens. Solar Push: New analysis projects Africa could hit a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, with mini-grids flagged for countries including Niger.

Kidnap Economy Shock: A new SBM Intelligence report says 7,825 people were abducted in 1,713 incidents between July 2025 and June 2026, with at least 1,142 killed and N7.78bn paid in ransom—up 66% in victims and a jump in collection rate to 34%. Security Response in Niger State: Tinubu has ordered AIG Zone 7 Victor Olaiya to Niger State to coordinate rescues after mosque abductions in Dekkara/Borgu areas; officials say communities must be cleared before aid. Northern Pressure on Abuja: Niger/NSCIA and Northern senators push Tinubu to rescue all victims, while lawmakers demand an emergency $5bn security intervention from external reserves and sustained intelligence-led operations. Rail & Roads for Industry: Nigeria targets December 2026 commissioning for the Kano–Katsina rail line (80% progress), while Works Minister Dave Umahi orders arrest of a Benin–Onitsha Expressway contractor over incomplete works and plans CCTV/lighting on the bridge. Niger Uranium Sovereignty: Niger awarded uranium permits to local firms after ending French control—TSUMCO for In Azaoua (Arlit) and MAMICO for Madaouela, with jobs and local supplier priorities.

Uranium Sovereignty: Niger awarded major uranium mining permits to local firms after ending French control—TSUMCO SA gets the In Azaoua/Arlit permit and MAMICO (linked to Atomic Eagle) takes Madaouela, with Niger holding a 40% stake and priority for local jobs and suppliers. Rail Infrastructure: Nigeria says the Kano–Katsina rail corridor is on track for December 2026 commissioning, with officials reporting about 80% physical completion and track test runs underway despite insecurity, land disputes, and rainy-season slowdowns. Kidnap Economy Shock: SBM Intelligence reports Nigeria saw 7,825 abductions and at least 1,142 deaths between July 2025–June 2026, with ransom payments hitting N7.78bn; one Boko Haram faction (JAS) collected about 90% of recorded ransom from just eight cases. Security Pressure in Niger State: NSCIA and northern senators demanded urgent action and full rescue of Borgu victims after the Aug 21 mosque attack and mass abductions, as President Tinubu ordered coordinated rescue operations. Agri Support for Yields: IFAD-assisted VCDP trained Niger rice farmers in modern practices to boost 2026 wet-season output, focusing on seedlings, mechanised farming, inputs, and value addition. Land Restoration Push: UNCCD COP17 recognized Sahel restoration efforts as “World Restoration Flagships,” highlighting Niger’s role in farmer-led regeneration and resilience gains.

Uranium & Mining Policy: Niger’s Council of Ministers awarded a major Arlit uranium mining permit to the state-owned TSUMCO SA, taking over after Orano’s loss of operational control and the nationalisation of SOMAÏR—another step in Niger’s push to keep value in-country. Energy & Investment: Savannah Energy reported $160.6m revenue for 7 months to July 31, with Nigeria cash collections up 13% to $247.9m, as Uquo 13 reached first gas and production targets rise. Agri-Value Chains: IFAD-assisted VCDP trained Niger rice farmers on modern practices to boost wet-season yields, while UN-backed Sahel land restoration efforts were recognised as a World Restoration Flagship for improving food security across Niger and neighbours. Land Restoration: UNCCD COP17 highlighted that restoration is already scaling—Africa’s Great Green Wall has restored over 20m hectares, including about 5m hectares regenerated by farmers in Niger. Security & Rural Livelihoods: Bandits released 48 kidnapped children in Niger State after a reported ransom; meanwhile, the killing of Niger’s Borgu Emirate village head Ahmed Yusuf sparked fresh calls for security crackdowns. Transport & Connectivity: ASKY launched a Kano–Niamey air service from Sept 2, aiming to tighten trade and mobility between Nigeria and Niger. Education Disruption: ASUU declared an indefinite strike at IBB University Lapai, forcing students to leave campus.

Land Restoration & Food Security: UN recognition highlights the WFP-led Sahel Integrated Resilience Initiative as a UN World Restoration Flagship, citing work across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger—rehabilitating 335,000 hectares and supporting over 4 million people. Sahel Green Wall Progress: UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed says Africa’s Great Green Wall has restored at least 20 million hectares, including 5 million hectares regenerated by farmers in Niger. Security & Rural Livelihoods: Bandits reportedly killed the Village Head of Galla in Niger State’s Borgu Emirate after a warning to stay away; the incident adds to fears of worsening banditry and disrupted local trade. Industry Under Pressure: Niger’s leather tanning in Niamey faces falling sales as insecurity disrupts hides supply and market access. Energy & Investment: Niger signed a $1.9bn PPP for a Dosso refinery and petrochemical complex (100,000 b/d), while Savannah Energy reported progress toward more gas and electricity investment in its operations. Tech & Jobs: Niger plans an electronics assembly plant in Tillaberi, targeting smartphones, computers and tablets with construction reported 63% complete. Education Disruption: ASUU at IBBU Lapai declared an indefinite strike, forcing students to leave campus. Health & Climate Risk: New research warns extreme heat becomes dangerous sooner for older adults, raising public health stakes as temperatures rise. Aviation Connectivity: ASKY announced a new Kano–Niamey air service starting Sept 2, boosting West African mobility and trade links.

Local Industry Under Pressure: Niamey’s leather/tanning sector says insecurity is disrupting hide supply and cutting sales, even as Gamkallé tannery still employs nearly 200 people and keeps traditional processing alive. Education Disruption: Students at IBBU Lapai began leaving campus after an ASUU indefinite strike started Aug. 24, citing Niger State’s failure to implement the 2025 federal-ASUU agreement. Security & Community Loss: Bandits reportedly killed the Borgu Emirate district head, Ahmed Yusuf, after he allegedly warned them off; separately, gunmen abducted dozens during attacks on Borgu communities, including Dekara mosque raids. Budget & Services: Niger stakeholders preparing the 2027 budget pushed for roads, schools and healthcare, warning that priorities must be both captured and implemented. Industrial Policy: Niger plans an October launch for a local electronics assembly plant in Tillaberi (Hamdallaye), targeting smartphones, computers and tablets. Energy & Finance: CEI Africa backed Spark with €2m to expand off-grid solar access across Africa, with Niger mentioned among co-financing partners. Mining Deal Watch: Atomic Eagle agreed new terms with Niger to re-establish its Madaouela uranium interest (60%/40%), with verification and optimisation underway.

Niger Budget Priorities: Stakeholders in Niger State are pushing for the 2027 budget to fund road rehabilitation, schools and healthcare, warning that plans must translate into real delivery at local level. Local Industry Push: Niger plans to launch an electronics assembly plant by end-October in Hamdallaye (Tillaberi), targeting smartphones, computers and tablets as construction hits 63% completion. Uranium Restructuring: Niger granted major uranium permits to national firms—TSUMCO for In Azaoua and MAMICO for Madaouela I—under the military-led government’s restructuring of the sector. Project Deal Update: Atomic Eagle agreed terms to re-establish its 60% interest and operational control in the Madaouela uranium project, with Niger holding 40%, and says arbitration will be withdrawn. Off-Grid Energy Finance: CEI Africa backed Spark with €2m to expand off-grid solar access across Africa, including support mechanisms and early rollout initiatives. Food Security & Nutrition: Niger and UNICEF urged local council chairmen to prioritize nutrition in budgets under the N-25 initiative. Security & Trade Pressure: In Niger State, insecurity continues to disrupt farming and trading routes, keeping economic activity below normal despite roads reopening. Violence Watch: Police reported a mob beating two suspected thieves to death in Niger State and continued arrests tied to terrorism and illegal arms.

Uranium Deal Watch: Atomic Eagle says it has agreed a new mining convention with Niger to re-establish its Madaouela uranium project, restoring a 60% interest and operational control (Niger holds 40%), with an exploitation permit granted to MAMICO and arbitration expected to be withdrawn within days. National Industry Policy: Niger also granted two major uranium permits to national companies—TSUMCO for In Azaoua and MAMICO for Madaouela I—marking a push to restructure the sector under the military-led government. Nutrition & Local Budgets: Niger and UNICEF urged local council chairmen to prioritize nutrition under the N-25 initiative, focusing on pregnant women and children under five in the first 1,000 days. Security & Public Safety: Police reported a crackdown that included arrests of suspected terrorist collaborators in Imo and arms recoveries, while Niger State saw a deadly mob killing of two suspected thieves. Transport Disruption: Traders and farmers in Niger State say insecurity is still keeping them off roads even after earlier protests reopened routes, squeezing supply chains and livelihoods. Community Governance: The Etsu Nupe ordered peace committees in Bida Emirate to curb farmer-herder clashes, calling for strict grazing-law enforcement and forest-guard monitoring.

Uranium Restructuring: Niger has granted major uranium mining permits to national companies, formalising the In Azaoua perimeter under TSUMCO SA and re-granting Madaouela I to Madaouela Mining Company (MAMICO) as part of a wider shift away from foreign operators. Deal Watch: Atomic Eagle shares jumped after it agreed terms with Niger to re-establish its 60% interest and operational control in the Madaouela uranium project, with Niger holding 40%, and said arbitration linked to the 2024 expropriation will be withdrawn. Energy Access: Kwara State approved installation of 11 electricity transformers across multiple communities to expand regular power supply. Security & Risk: Reports say Russia is using an “air shadow fleet” of state-aligned and private aircraft to support operations across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, drawing US and Europe concern. Food Supply Under Pressure: Niger’s food economy remains strained as attacks push traders and farmers off roads, disrupting movement of goods. Local Fire Incident: A major fire in Ilorin’s Niger Junction destroyed five shops and damaged part of a storey building, with mattresses and sofa materials blamed for rapid spread.

Mining & Investment: Atomic Eagle says it has re-established its Niger uranium position via a new mining convention for the Madaouela project, granting it a 60% interest and adding a large-scale resource to its Zambia holdings. Energy & Industry: Niger signs a $1.9bn deal with Canada’s Zimar and a US partner for a 100,000-b/d Dosso grassroots refinery and petrochemical complex under a build-operate-transfer model. Security & Logistics: Research reports Russia is using a “shadow fleet”-style network of military-linked flights to support operations across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Agriculture & Rural Stability: Niger’s traditional leadership pushes farmer-herder peace committees and stricter grazing-law enforcement to curb recurring clashes. Infrastructure & Trade: Niger State stakeholders press for renewed work on the Bida-Lapai-Lambata road, citing safety and economic losses from the road’s deterioration. Health & Nutrition: Niger State rolls out UNICEF-supported Nutrition-25 operational training for local leaders to improve household nutrition outcomes. Public Safety: Firefighters battle a major blaze in Ilorin, where shops and flats were heavily damaged.

Refinery Deal for Niger: Niger has signed a $1.9-billion agreement with Canada’s Zimar Group and a US partner to design, finance, build and run a 100,000-b/d grassroots refinery and petrochemical complex at Dosso under a 16-year BOT plan, with partners given four months to secure financing and finish detailed engineering. Roads & Security: Niger State’s Bida-Lapai-Lambata corridor is set for renewed federal action after stakeholders warned the deteriorating road is hurting trade and raising risks for travellers; the Works Minister says repairs will resume soon. Agri-Food & Jobs: Rwanda hosts the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum (Aug 31–Sep 5) focused on investing in agri-food systems to create jobs and build resilience. Nutrition at Local Level: Niger State and UNICEF-backed efforts are training LGA leaders and DPMs to operationalise Nutrition-25 initiatives. Farmer-Herder Peace: The Etsu Nupe has ordered peace committees in the Bida Emirate and urged stricter grazing-law enforcement to curb clashes. Security Spillover in the Region: Reports from Nigeria’s Niger State describe kidnappings and killings during Friday prayers, highlighting ongoing instability around Sahel-linked armed groups. Governance Watch: Niger State auditors flag major overspending on SSG office furniture and fittings, far above approved budget.

Refinery Push in Niger: Niger signed a $1.9bn deal with Canada’s Zimar and US partner Hightech for a 100,000-b/d Dosso grassroots refinery and petrochemical complex under a 16-year BOT plan, with partners given four months to secure financing and finish detailed engineering. Roads & Trade Security: Niger State stakeholders pressed the Works Minister to restart the Bida-Lapai-Lambata road; the government says work will resume soon, with emergency remedial repairs and contractor mobilisation to improve safety and movement of goods. Insurance Recapitalisation: Nigeria’s PSAN asked NAICOM for a 5–7 month extension for insurers that missed recapitalisation deadlines, warning licence withdrawals could trap shareholders’ funds. Grid Stability Focus: Nigeria’s NISO urged NESI stakeholders to tighten coordination and long-term planning to protect transmission reliability and reduce frequency and voltage disturbances. Nutrition at Grassroots: Niger State launched UNICEF-supported sensitisation on the N-25 initiative for LGA chairmen and DPMs to strengthen maternal and child nutrition delivery. Security Shock in Niger State (Nigeria): Armed men kidnapped dozens during Friday prayers at Kpenya Mosque in Borgu, with reports of killings and some escapes amid clashes between rival armed groups. Cyber Cooperation: Nigeria and the UK expanded a long-term cybersecurity partnership to build local capacity against AI-driven threats and financial cybercrime.

Road Rehab Pressure: Nigeria’s Federal Government says work will soon resume on the Bida–Lapai–Lambata road in Niger State after stakeholders warned the deteriorating corridor is worsening insecurity and disrupting movement of farm produce and traders. Power Sector Decentralisation: NERC transferred electricity market oversight in Akwa Ibom to a state regulator, pushing further decentralisation of intrastate power regulation. Oil Refining Deal Watch: Niger signed a $1.9bn refinery agreement with Canada’s Zimar for a Dosso petrochemical complex, but the firm’s credibility is being questioned even within government circles. Agribusiness & Trade: Nigeria’s onion exporters to Ghana can resume immediately after NOPPMAN lifted its suspension, citing renewed talks over market reception and offloading issues at Kotoku. Grid Stability Workshop: NISO urged NESI stakeholders to improve operational discipline and long-term planning to protect Nigeria’s grid from frequency and voltage disturbances. Security Spillover: AFP reports jihadists in Nigeria’s Niger State killed and kidnapped scores during Friday prayers, with some captives escaping amid clashes between rival militants. Logistics Rivalry: Tema Port closed 2025 as West Africa’s top container gateway, outpacing Lomé and widening its edge over Abidjan. Health & Nutrition: Niger State launched the N-25 initiative push, urging LGAs to lead maternal and child nutrition interventions.

Road Rehabilitation Pressure: Niger’s Bida-Lapai-Lambata corridor is set for renewed federal action after stakeholders warned the deteriorating road is hurting trade, farming logistics, and safety; Works Minister David Umahi says work will resume soon, with calls for emergency repairs and contractor mobilisation within two months. Power Sector Planning: NISO urges NESI stakeholders to tighten coordination and long-term planning to protect grid stability amid frequency and voltage challenges. Cross-Border Trade Relief: NOPPMAN lifts its suspension on onion exports to Ghana, saying engagements with Nigeria/Ghana trade ministries, ECOWAS and diplomats have unlocked a more workable framework. Mining Enforcement: The Nigerian Army arrests 18 suspected illegal miners in Niger State and hands them to NSCDC Mining Marshals after recovering cash and equipment. Energy & Industry Signals: Niger signs a $1.9bn deal with Canadian firm Zimar to build a refinery in Dosso, even as questions linger over the firm’s track record. Food Systems Focus: Rwanda hosts the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum, spotlighting investment, jobs and resilience across agri-food value chains. Health Risk Watch: A study flags that extreme heat could endanger older adults in Niger and other South Asia/Persian Gulf countries at lower temperatures than previously estimated.