AGP Executive Report

Benin–Sahel Diplomacy: Benin’s new President Romuald Wadagni has kicked off a diplomatic reset with Niger and Burkina Faso, securing a plan to reopen the Benin–Niger border and pushing joint work against terrorism and cross-border crime. Public Safety & Economy: A major energy-and-food shock risk is flagged for Africa as Middle East conflict disrupts fuel and fertilizer flows, with S&P warning countries including Benin face heightened pressure on household spending and credit. Cross-Border Business: Wilmar and TGI Group signed a 50:50 joint venture combining agriculture, oil palm, edible oils, rice and food distribution across Nigeria and Benin, aiming to scale in both markets and beyond. Mobility Investment: EV battery-swapping firm Spiro raised $215m in equity to expand across seven countries including Benin, adding more swapping stations and manufacturing capacity. Local Governance: Edo State’s market women protested in Benin City over alleged exclusion from the rebuilt Oba Market, highlighting how infrastructure promises can turn into access disputes.

Benin–Sahel Diplomacy: Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni kicked off a diplomatic reset with a visit to Niger and Burkina Faso, pushing for the reopening of the Benin–Niger border and stronger security cooperation against jihadist violence. Bilateral Talks in Nigeria: Wadagni also met President Bola Tinubu in Lagos for talks on trade, energy, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and ECOWAS integration. Digital Public Service: Edo State (Nigeria) is training new and existing civil servants at JOOPSA in digital literacy and ethics to improve public service delivery. Security & Education Pressure: In Nigeria, protests and renewed calls for security reform followed the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo, with teachers in Edo staging a solidarity protest in Benin. Justice & Corruption Debate: A Benin NBA event in Nigeria warned against the “commercialisation of justice,” saying public trust is eroding when wealth and influence shape outcomes. Drug Crackdown: Edo NDLEA reported arrests of 48 suspected traffickers and seized over 541kg of drugs in May. Regional Deportations: The US confirmed deportations of 355 West Africans, including one Beninese national.

Benin–Sahel Diplomacy: President Romuald Wadagni made Niger his first foreign stop since taking office, visiting Niamey as tensions ease after Niger’s 2023 coup-era border closure; leaders discussed reopening the border and restarting security cooperation against jihadist violence, with Burkina Faso also on the agenda. Benin–Nigeria Talks: Wadagni also met Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in Lagos for talks on trade, energy, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and ECOWAS matters, with both sides pointing to growing cross-border business and joint initiatives. Online Security Row: Nigeria’s presidency hit back at content creator Nasboi over a viral “terror” video, saying the footage was misrepresented and linked to Benin rather than Nigeria—sparking renewed debate on fear-driven posts. Regional Crime Pressure: In Nigeria’s Edo State, NDLEA says it arrested 47–48 suspected traffickers in May and seized about 541kg of drugs, underscoring ongoing cross-border security concerns. Culture & Film: Arnaud Desplechin’s “The Thing that Hurts,” shot partly in Benin, has entered post-production.

Diplomacy: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu met Benin’s newly inaugurated President Romuald Wadagni in Lagos for closed-door talks, with discussions described as focused on regional cooperation and bilateral ties. Public Safety: Edo State police arrested three bouncers and a pepper-spray supplier after Children’s Day chaos at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, while also confirming the arrest of an officer over an earlier tear-gas incident that led to a death. Security & Drugs: Edo Security Network arrested two suspects with a large quantity of cannabis in Benin City, citing rising youth drug abuse. Regional Security: Reports say JNIM militants have killed at least 47 Beninese soldiers in an attack near Benin’s northern border, underscoring the Sahel threat spreading south. Health & Services: Edo Governor Okpebholo said abandoned doctors’ quarters in Benin City will be ready for occupation within two months. Business/Transport: Spiro secured a $215m investment to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping infrastructure across African markets including Benin.

Benin–Nigeria Diplomacy: Benin President Romuald Wadagni met Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on a private visit, with both sides reaffirming close ties on border security, trade and energy cooperation. Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro, operating in Benin among other African markets, secured a $215M equity round to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure, aiming to speed up Africa’s energy transition. Regional Football (U-17): Nigeria’s Flamingos booked the final qualifying round for the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup and will face Benin Republic, after crushing Guinea 6-0 in the return leg for an 11-0 aggregate. Public Safety (Edo, spillover region): Edo police arrested three bouncers over a Children’s Day pepper-spray incident and also detained an officer over a prior tear-gas death, underscoring crackdowns on restricted crowd-control items. ECOWAS Insurance Reminder: Motorists across the region were urged to demand ECOWAS Brown Card certificates, which activate once a policy is issued.

Benin City Security: Edo State Security Network (ESSN) arrested two suspected drug dealers in separate Benin City operations, seizing Indian hemp, “Ice” (crystal methamphetamine), Colorado, Canadian Loud and Scottish Loud, with suspects to be handed to NDLEA for prosecution. Sports—U17 Football: Nigeria’s Flamingoes thrashed Guinea 6-0 in the second leg at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, to win 11-0 on aggregate and move into the final qualifying round against Benin Republic. Local Sports—Federation Cup: Bendel Insurance will host Crown FC in the Federation Cup Round of 32 on Monday at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, with coach Kennedy Boboye urging a “no complacency” approach. Governance/Infrastructure: CRPP has renewed legal pressure on Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo over alleged EFCC probe concerns tied to Ramat Park and Sapele Road flyover bridge funds in Benin City. Public Works (Benin, Cotonou): PowerChina completed rehabilitation of the Congress Palace esplanade in Cotonou in under three months ahead of President Romuald Wadagni’s May 24 inauguration.

Police & Justice: Edo State Police arrested former Okpebholo aide Kelly Okungbowa for allegedly assaulting an officer on duty in Ikpoba-Okha, with police saying he will be charged in court. Crime & Drugs: Edo’s ESSN arrested two suspects in Benin City—Efosa Uyi and Stella Thompson—over alleged possession and distribution of hard drugs including Indian hemp, meth (Ice), and other “loud” substances, with cases to be handed to NDLEA. Local Safety & Community: Edo launched the SafERR Schools initiative with World Safety Organization to train students, teachers and parents on hazard prevention and emergency response across dozens of schools. Urban Development (Benin): In Cotonou, Chinese firm PowerChina completed fast-track rehabilitation of the Congress Palace esplanade ahead of President Romuald Wadagni’s May 24 inauguration, with local firms involved. Sports (Benin connection): Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s Flamingoes beat Guinea 6–0 to win 11–0 on aggregate and will face Benin in the next qualifier stage. Regional Watch: South Africa’s World Cup departure was delayed by a visa paperwork fiasco, pushing the charter flight to Monday.

Ramat Park Flyover Progress: Residents and traders in Benin City say Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Ramat Park flyover is nearing completion and could finally ease the long-standing Ikpoba Hill–Ramat Park traffic bottleneck. Public Safety Push in Schools: Edo State, with the World Safety Organization (WSO), launched the SafERR Schools Edo initiative to train students, teachers and parents on hazard prevention, fire safety and emergency response across 38 public secondary schools. Children’s Day Aftermath: The Children’s Day stadium incident in Benin City continues to spark debate, with calls for better crowd control and emergency preparedness after students were reportedly injured during the event. Violence in Ogida: A 30-year-old interior decorator, Esohe Aigbe, was hacked to death at a burial decoration venue in Ogida; police say one suspect is in custody and investigations are ongoing. Menstrual Hygiene Support: Edo distributed sanitary pads to schoolgirls in Benin City for Menstrual Hygiene Day, linking the effort to keeping girls in school and improving dignity and health. Anti-Fake Currency Law: Benin lawmakers adopted reforms to strengthen penalties against fake banknotes and anyone refusing valid CFA notes and coins. Migration Update: IOM reports 496 migrants returned from Libya via voluntary return flights, including 151 to Cotonou and others to Accra and beyond.

Benin Anti-Fake Currency Push: Benin lawmakers unanimously adopted a reform to curb fake banknotes, raising penalties for anyone refusing valid CFA notes/coins or charging excessive exchange fees, and setting prison terms of 10–20 years for counterfeiting and falsification, with 5–7 years for those knowingly transporting or circulating counterfeit money. Edo Violence in Focus: A 30-year-old decorator, Esohe Aigbe, was hacked to death with a machete at a funeral decoration venue in Benin City; police say a suspect is in custody and investigations continue. Drug Seizure Update (Edo): NDLEA recovered 498kg of skunk cannabis abandoned inside a shrine in Owan East, after a raid based on intelligence; the prime suspect fled. Cross-Border Trade Talks (Togo): Lomé hosted an ECOWAS dialogue/workshop on free movement and cross-border trade, tackling red tape, harassment and extortion at border crossings. Politics & Primaries (Edo): NDC leaders in Edo urged members to “sue for peace” after protests over alleged irregularities during party primaries, insisting the process would be concluded fairly.

Violence in Edo: A 30-year-old decorator, Esohe Aigbe, was hacked to death with a machete at a burial venue in Benin City on May 27; police say they have one suspect and investigations are ongoing. Drugs crackdown: NDLEA recovered 498kg of skunk cannabis abandoned inside a shrine in Owan East after a raid, with the prime suspect still at large. Security stop-and-search: Edo police arrested a passenger in Benin City and recovered 36 live cartridges concealed in his bag. Political tensions: Edo South APC senatorial aspirant Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu threatens legal action over an alleged AI-generated, cloned Vanguard front page circulated by a governor’s digital media aide, demanding N2 billion in damages. Child safety clarification: Edo’s hospital chief says viral claims of five deaths during Children’s Day at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium are false—no casualty recorded, children were treated and stabilized. Sports (Benin vs Sierra Leone): Sierra Queens face Benin in the second leg of U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a 3-0 first-leg loss. Regional travel policy: Ghana launches an e-visa system and waives visa fees for African passport holders, aiming to boost intra-Africa travel and trade.

Benin Government Priorities: Benin’s new first cabinet under President Romuald Wadagni outlined a seven-year action plan, including modernising payroll systems, improving pension coordination, and using AI and geospatial data to boost farming decisions. Digital Transformation: Benin also named AI expert Mahuna Akplogan as minister of digital transformation and innovation, succeeding Aurelie Adam Soule Zoumarou. Security in Edo: Edo State police arrested a passenger in Benin City after recovering 36 live cartridges during a stop-and-search on the Benin–Auchi Road. Children’s Day Update: Edo’s CMD Dr. Anthonia Njoku denied reports of five deaths at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium incident, saying no casualty occurred and children were stabilised after fainting during the event. Local Politics Row: APC senatorial aspirant Osagie Ize-Iyamu denied cloning a Vanguard front page and threatened legal action, demanding N2bn in damages. Regional Trade Impact: India began importing soybeans from Nigeria and other African suppliers after price spikes forced cancellation of soymeal export contracts, potentially opening new market opportunities for non-GM producers like Benin.

Benin’s New Government Priorities: Benin’s first cabinet under President Romuald Wadagni has mapped a seven-year action plan, focusing on modernising public payroll systems, improving pension coordination, boosting water control for agriculture, and using AI and geospatial data to support farmers. Digital Transformation: Wadagni also appointed AI expert Mahuna Akplogan as minister of digital transformation and innovation, replacing Aurelie Adam Soule Zoumarou. Regional Diplomacy: Wadagni pledged deeper ECOWAS integration in early talks with the ECOWAS Commission president, Omar Alieu Touray, stressing trade, security cooperation and stability. Public Safety in Benin City: In Edo (Benin City), officials denied reports of deaths during Children’s Day at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, saying children were treated and stabilised after emergency response. Security Update: Police in Edo arrested a suspect with 36 live cartridges during a stop-and-search operation in Benin City.

Benin–Diplomacy: President Romuald Wadagni, in his early days in office, met ECOWAS Commission chief Omar Alieu Touray in Cotonou and pledged deeper West African integration on stability, trade and security. Benin–Economy/Power: JBIC signed a loan deal with Benin for up to €24m to install batteries at solar power facilities, boosting renewable storage capacity. Benin–Digital: NITDA and Benin’s digital agency ASIN renewed cooperation on digital transformation and digital public infrastructure. Edo Children’s Day Crisis: In Benin City, Edo’s Children’s Day at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium turned chaotic after pepper spray/tear gas was used by bouncers, triggering panic and student collapses; Edo officials say misinformation is being spread and blame unruly behaviour at a crowded gate. Edo Security: Police arrested two suspected cultists in Ohonre Community, recovering a cut-to-size gun. Edo Drugs: NDLEA rearrested a drug suspect who was declared dead in a court affidavit, alleging an attempt to evade prosecution. Regional Unity Debate: University and civil society voices condemned xenophobia and calls for easier travel within Africa, warning it undermines unity and business.

Edo Children’s Day Update: Edo State clarified the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium incident, saying a stampede-like situation at a gate followed unruly crowd behaviour and tear gas use by a bouncer, with the Deputy Governor responding with first aid and only a few students reported injured. Police Crackdown: Edo police arrested two suspected cultists in Benin City after a chase, recovering a cut-to-size gun and linking them to the Maphite cult. Kidnapping Suspects Arrested: Security operatives in Edo arrested three alleged kidnappers after victims identified them at Jattu Market, following an abduction case earlier in May. Child Protection Pledge: Governor Okpebholo reiterated commitment to child rights and anti-bullying at the Children’s Day celebration, urging safe, inclusive learning environments. Eid Security Plan: Edo police deployed 6,000 operatives across the state for Eid-el-Kabir, targeting prayer grounds, markets, highways and motor parks. Digital Cooperation: NITDA and Benin’s digital agency deepened partnership talks on digital transformation and innovation-driven governance. Benin Leadership Transition: In Cotonou, Wadagni’s first government took office, with the new economy and finance minister prioritizing budget discipline, growth that reaches people, and long-term prosperity.

NPFL Drama: Enugu Rangers won the 2025/26 season on Sunday, beating Ikorodu City 2-1 to lift their 9th title, while Rivers United finished one point back after a 3-0 win over Katsina United—still among the big losers. Security Crackdown (Edo): Police and ESSC operatives arrested three suspected kidnappers in Jattu market after victims identified them. Gas Push (Edo): FG inaugurated a CNG conversion hub in Benin City, pitching cleaner transport and investor confidence; Edo’s governor also promised an enabling environment. Customs Hit (Ogun): NCS intercepted a luxury bus on the Sagamu–Ore–Benin route carrying military camouflage and cannabis worth ₦259.6m, arresting two suspects. Politics (Edo): ADC declared Atiku Abubakar winner of its Edo presidential primary; ADC also named Niger’s Kpautagi as governorship candidate for 2027. Trade Pressure: Importers say Nigeria’s port costs are driving cargo to Benin and others as tariffs and charges jump. Education: NABTEB extended technical colleges entrance registration to May 31 and moved the exam to June 13.

NDLEA Crackdown: Edo operatives have re-arrested Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal, accused of jumping bail after being declared “dead” in an affidavit by his wife—he was found alive and brought before a Federal High Court in Benin on May 26. Benin Transition: Benin’s new government officially took office in Cotonou as Romuald Wadagni’s team settles in, with economy and finance among the early priorities. Gas-to-Transport Push: Nigeria’s CNG drive got a boost in Edo with the commissioning of a conversion centre, framed as Tinubu’s way to cut transport costs and create jobs. Edo Politics: Atiku Abubakar won the Edo ADC presidential primary, while the ADC also named Kpautagi as Niger State governorship candidate for 2027. Security & Crime: Customs in Ogun intercepted a luxury bus carrying military camouflage and cannabis, and Edo security arrested suspects over an alleged attempt to sell a company truck and diverted sachet water. Travel Rules Across Africa: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, adding to the continent’s fast-growing free-movement trend.