AGP Executive Report

PFIPC Fallout: Arewa Youth Forum says Gbajabiamila acted as a whistleblower in the fake PFIPC saga, praising his early alert to DSS and police. Budget Accountability: Atiku demands answers over IMF claims of “missing” 2% of Nigeria’s GDP from the budget, asking who stole it. Energy & Power: Nigeria joins the International Energy Agency as an association country, while TCN schedules preventive outages at Katampe (FCT) affecting Mpape, Maitama, Jahi, Life Camp, Kado Fish Market and Idu-Karmo. Security & Diplomacy: US withdraws most troops after an operation that killed an ISIS leader, but keeps intelligence cooperation; Defence Minister Musa pushes back on “ineffective” labels as abductions spread across Nigeria’s geography. Hunger Crisis: Peter Obi warns of worsening northern food insecurity as WFP says 17m face crisis-level hunger and 10,000 in Borno are in catastrophic conditions. Courts & Business: Supreme Court orders First Bank to release crude oil cargo to GHL, while a court orders final forfeiture of N150m linked to Rep Nicholas Mutu. Lagos Fire & Infrastructure: Fire guts petroleum storage tank and a gas truck explodes in Lagos; Lagos probes fuel storage tank fire and a coastal road EIA timeline sparks controversy. Sports & Youth: Team Nigeria arrives Aberdeen for Commonwealth Games training; Sunshine Stars declare David Igoche AWOL; Army commander urges discipline to students.

Ibadan Fire Disaster: A dawn inferno razed the Bode Herbal Market (Iso Alagbo) in Ibadan, destroying 100+ shops and goods worth millions of naira, with firefighters and security agencies working to stop it spreading to a nearby petrol station. Lagos Flood Aftermath: Despite rain easing, Lagos residents are still counting losses from recent flooding—submerged homes, damaged vehicles, and disrupted livelihoods—while critics blame weak mitigation. Power Debt Worry: Nigeria’s neighbours—Benin, Togo and Niger—owe Nigeria about N17.45bn for electricity, having remitted only 27.57% of billed amounts in 2026/Q1, deepening the sector’s liquidity strain. Xenophobia Evacuations: Nigeria says 500 Nigerians remain awaiting evacuation from South Africa, with the next phase expected next week as returnees continue arriving in Lagos for reintegration support. Lagos Street Beggars Crackdown: Security fears and public complaints have driven Lagos to intensify raids on street beggars, arresting 226 in one operation as part of a wider enforcement push. US Troops Drawdown: The US has withdrawn most combat forces from Nigeria’s Lake Chad counter-ISIS mission, while intelligence cooperation continues. Energy Governance Boost: Nigeria officially joins the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an Association country, a move aimed at strengthening energy security and access. Court Orders Saraki Arraignment: A Kwara court dismissed Bukola Saraki’s bid to stop his case and ordered his arraignment. Diplomatic Move: Nigeria’s new ambassador to Qatar, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, presented credentials to the Amir, reaffirming ties on trade, investment and security. Sports: D’Tigers beat Guinea 80-79 in FIBA qualifiers, while Egypt advanced in World Cup 2026 knockout action after a penalty shootout win over Australia.

Trade & Revenue: Lagos Free Trade Zone Customs says it generated N408.87bn revenue in the first half of 2026, up 28.85% from last year, citing better compliance and trade activity. Energy & Cost of Living: Cooking gas depot prices are dropping nationwide as Dangote, Techno Oil and others cut rates, with new figures around N1,075–N1,090 per kg. Security & Kidnapping: US Africa Command says it has withdrawn most troops from Nigeria’s Lake Chad counter-terrorism operation but will keep intelligence support; meanwhile, Oyo children kidnapped 50 days ago are still unrescued, and a pastor was abducted in Benue. Sports Integrity & Youth: FG inaugurates the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre’s Technical Board; Tinubu urges Team Nigeria to win clean at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Governance & Justice: Court orders police to pay N200m over the unlawful killing of an Abuja cleric; INEC warns technology alone can’t ensure credible elections without an informed electorate. Business & Policy: World Bank approves a fresh $1.25bn loan under its jobs programme as Nigeria pushes private-sector-led growth.

World Bank Jobs Loan: The World Bank approved a seven-year $1.25bn package for Nigeria under the NAIJA programme, targeting jobs, private investment, electricity access for 32m people, better internet for 58m, and support for farmers and healthcare—tied to budget transparency. Flood Warnings & Lagos Response: Nigeria issued a fresh nationwide flood alert as heavy rains persist, while Lagos continues assessments and enforcement, including demolition orders and calls for proper drainage and waste disposal. Hunger Crisis Deepens: WFP warns northern Nigeria is sliding into its worst hunger levels in nearly a decade, with over 17m people facing severe food insecurity as conflict and funding gaps bite. Security Updates: US troops have withdrawn most forces from the Lake Chad Basin operation but will keep intelligence cooperation; meanwhile, Nigeria’s security agencies say Abuja barricades are routine amid protest plans. Lagos HIV Medicines: Lagos says it will independently procure ARVs, with the first shipment expected before end of August. Dangote Cement Returns: Dangote Cement shareholders approved a potential LSE listing and a record dividend payout of N753.8bn, lifting dividends to N45 per share. Education & ASUU: ASUU threatens fresh strikes in state universities over non-implementation of the 2025 welfare agreement.

Canada–Nigeria Diplomacy: Canada says it will deepen cooperation with Nigeria in agriculture, renewable energy, mining, healthcare, innovation and skills after high-level talks in Abuja. Security & Governance: Experts warn illegal mining is increasingly funding banditry and terrorism, while analysts argue Nigeria’s state police debate is really about who controls force in a fragile democracy. Food Crisis: WFP says hunger in northern Nigeria is worsening fast, with over 17 million people facing crisis to catastrophic levels as conflict expands and aid access shrinks. Energy Policy: Nigeria becomes the first Opec member to join the IEA as an associate, a move meant to boost energy security and access. Economy & Funding: The World Bank approves $1.75bn for jobs, electricity, broadband and food security despite debt worries, while the IMF flags Nigeria omitted spending worth 2% of GDP from budgets. Lagos Floods & Safety: LASEMA debunks reports of another building collapse and urges verified alerts as flooding disrupts power and livelihoods. Education Under Threat: Education Above All condemns attacks on schools in Borno and calls for urgent protection of education. Crime & Justice: US-based Nigerian engineer pleads guilty to $1.64m wire fraud tied to public funds. Business & Regulation: NCC signals waivers and presidential support to attract foreign tech hardware manufacturers to build in Nigeria by November 2026.

World Bank Loan: The World Bank approved a $1.25bn financing package for Nigeria to spur jobs and private-sector-led growth, even as public backlash over debt risks continues. Inflation & Oil Shock: Nigeria’s inflation rebounded to 15.93% in May after an 11-month disinflation streak ended, blamed on global energy disruptions linked to the US-Israeli campaign affecting oil supply. Fiscal Transparency: The IMF warned Nigeria omitted public spending worth about 2% of GDP from official budgets, potentially masking the true size of the fiscal deficit. CBN Crackdown: The CBN revoked operating licences of 46 microfinance banks for regulatory failures, including inactivity and insufficient assets. Digital Push: NCC and ATCON urged mass FTTH adoption and Right of Way reforms to expand broadband access. Business & Markets: NGX opened July in the red, shedding N2.39tn as investors sold off; meanwhile, Stanbic IBTC PMI showed private sector growth continued for a fifth straight month in June. Lagos Flooding & Waste: Lagos intensified action against illegal waste dumping and dredging after heavy rains triggered flooding and power disruptions. Security & Courts: DSS arraigned five associates of ex-minister Timipre Silva over alleged concealment of his whereabouts in a coup-related case. Aviation/Tourism: Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo urged using global cultural platforms to boost Nigeria’s tourism and aviation image ahead of Miss World in Vietnam.

Democracy Under Pressure: IPAC warns that court-ordered deregistrations of political parties, including a fresh NDC case, could shrink Nigeria’s multi-party space and weaken citizens’ rights. Lagos Cost Shock: Lagos activates its 2026 Blue Book, lifting land valuations by 300%–525%, which will raise statutory charges like Governor’s Consent, stamp duty and registration fees. Flood Response in Lagos: Lagos approves dredging of 28 drainage channels and urges residents to stop dumping refuse in drains as heavy rains keep disrupting communities and power supply. World Bank Jobs Push: The World Bank backs Nigeria’s 2026–2032 plan with $1.25bn to expand energy, broadband and agriculture access and drive private investment and jobs. Health Crisis Data: Nigeria records 102,025 new HIV infections in 2025, with Lagos topping the list at 10,430. Politics & Security: Former Science Minister Uche Nnaji is arrested at Abuja airport over alleged forged academic certificates, while Benue church members and a pastor are reported abducted by gunmen. Education Reform Debate: FG’s plan to end the JSS–SSS transition draws mixed reactions from stakeholders, who say success depends on funding and implementation.

Education Reform: The Federal Government says it will phase out the JSS–SSS separation policy, blaming it for massive dropout rates and pushing a new structure to keep more students in school. Health Crisis: A sickle cell feature highlights how wrong genotype test results can derail prevention plans, leaving families facing severe disease and costly care. Security & Schools: Gunmen in Borno abduct 36 students during exams at Lassa Day Secondary School, while police also report dismantling a kidnapping syndicate on the FCT–Nasarawa border. Flooding in Lagos: Heavy downpours keep disrupting life across Lagos, with NEMA warning of flood risks in Kwara LGAs and agencies urging residents to prepare. Economy & Finance: Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele backs a commercial dispute tribunal to cut years-long case delays, while CBN data shows cash outside banks hit N5.19tn (91.3% of currency). Transport & Cities: NRC grants Lagos permanent rail operating licences for the Red Line and suspends Kajola–Apapa passenger service for maintenance; Lagos also moves to dredge more waterways. Business & Trade: CPPE warns a Senate textile import ban could harm Nigeria’s garment and tailoring industry, and PwC Nigeria admits four new partners.

Courtroom Clash in Abuja: Nigerians and rights groups reacted after the Federal High Court granted Omoyele Sowore ₦200m bail, only for DSS operatives to take him away moments later, with protesters storming the court and Amnesty International condemning the prosecution and security barricades. Security & Cyber Push: The Nigerian Army says it’s overhauling cyber warfare to counter terrorism and criminal networks, while the NSCDC in Lagos arrests suspected cable vandals. Evacuation From South Africa: Another 271 Nigerians arrived in Lagos from South Africa under the voluntary repatriation programme as xenophobia tensions continue. Health Support: LUTH, Lagos received equipment from NEST360 to strengthen newborn care, clinical education and data management. Sports Development: NIS plans an 8-week summer basic coaching programme in Uyo, and Nigeria’s D’Tigers head to Angola for World Cup qualifiers. Cost of Living: NBS reports the daily cost of a healthy diet rose to ₦1,589 in April, adding pressure to household budgets.

Security & Kidnapping: Boko Haram gunmen stormed a school in Borno’s Lassa during NECO exams, killing a teacher and kidnapping students, while the military said it rescued 10 and police warned others were still missing. Energy Costs & Power Debt: Fuel inflation stayed stubborn as diesel jumped 86% year-on-year, with petrol up 55%, and the FG moved toward a fresh N729bn bond tranche to settle power sector legacy debts. Markets: Nigeria’s stock market opened weak, with profit-taking dragging NGX capitalization down by about N2.34tn. Power Transition & Industry: REA said mini-grids and solar infrastructure are being designed to power industrial clusters and boost manufacturing competitiveness. Governance & Justice Tech: The CJN announced Supreme Court reforms including a National Case Management System and mandatory e-filing to cut delays. Culture & Repatriation: Switzerland returned 18 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, adding to ongoing restitution efforts. Business & Aviation: United Nigeria Airlines joined AFRAA as a full member, expanding regional connectivity. Human Interest: 16-year-old Osasere Okundaye became Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, celebrated by the Youth Development Minister.

Youth Achievement: Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande congratulates 16-year-old Osasere Okundaye for becoming Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, praising discipline and resilience. Nollywood & Global Recognition: British-Nigerian filmmaker behind “My Father’s Shadow” is invited to join the Academy, with Akinola Davies Jr. and Sopé Dìrísù among Nigerians making the list—raising hopes for a stronger Nollywood global footprint. Security & Counter-Terrorism: Nigeria and the UK deepen counter-terrorism ties with training, intelligence analysis and coordinated incident management in Abuja. Education Under Threat: Gunmen attack a Borno school during NECO SSCE, killing a teacher and abducting students; police say some remain unaccounted for. Student Loan & Fees: NELFUND moves against varsities accused of withholding tuition refunds and arbitrarily hiking charges, warning institutions to comply with scheme rules. Governance & Corruption: SERAP gives Nigeria’s National Assembly seven days to investigate alleged diversion of over N6.3bn constituency funds. Power & Lagos: Eko Electricity Distribution reports a grid failure blackout across Lagos, promising updates and restoration efforts. Roads & Transport: Peter Obi and others urge FG to fix existing roads before new projects; meanwhile FG bans okada and tricycles on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Insecurity & Kidnapping: Imo police rescue an injured kidnap victim in a forest raid. Aviation: United Nigeria Airlines is admitted as a full member of AFRAA, boosting West African aviation integration. Economy & Debt: FG seeks advisers for a potential first Eurobond issuance since Nov 2025. Politics 2027: Atiku alleges plots to keep ADC off the 2027 ballot; court grants substituted service in an APC primary dispute involving Ahmad Lawan.

SMEDAN Boost for MSMEs: SMEDAN launched the N500m GROWFund in Abuja, offering zero-interest grants for micro, small and medium businesses via cooperatives and recognised business groups to expand working capital, tools and workspace. Food Affordability Watch: NBS data shows Adamawa as Nigeria’s most affordable state for food in May 2026, with notably lower prices for staples like maize, rice, plantain, oil, chicken and fish. Security Push in Lagos/Ogun: Police launched Operation Kosaye, arresting 88 suspects, rescuing five kidnapped victims and killing four suspected kidnappers in forest border raids. Anti-Drug Crackdown: NDLEA seized 4,959kg of Canadian “loud” cannabis worth N12.4bn at Lagos’ Apapa port and arrested a woman with 7.5kg cocaine at Murtala Muhammed Airport. Lagos Flood Control: Lagos begins demolition of drainage and wetland encroachments in Lekki-Epe areas to curb flooding. Politics in Court: INEC is expected to deregister the NDC after a Certified True Copy of a Lokoja Federal High Court judgment emerged, while the party says INEC also refused its nomination portal access code. Abuja Infrastructure: Tinubu commissioned Mabushi link roads C01 and C02 to improve connectivity and ease traffic. Health Facilities: Sokoto’s Aliyu inspected renovation of Gada General Hospital, directing faster completion. Sports: Tobi Amusan won women’s 100m hurdles at the Paris Diamond League; Delta Queens Hockey Club targets the Super League final.

Security Operations: The Nigerian Army says troops rescued 8 kidnapped victims in Zamfara and arrested 39 suspected drug dealers in Plateau, alongside other responses to attacks nationwide. Drug War: NDLEA intercepted a ₦12.3bn Canadian Loud shipment at Lagos’ Apapa Port (nearly five tonnes) and arrested a businesswoman at Murtala Muhammed Airport with 7.5kg cocaine hidden in her luggage en route to Beijing, while also dismantling a syndicate that plants drugs in passengers’ bags. Policing Reform: Nigeria moved closer to state police as the National Assembly passed the State Police constitutional amendment bill, a bid to tackle insecurity beyond the limits of a single federal force. Lagos-Ogun Crackdown: Joint police operation “Operation Kosaye” arrested 92 suspects, rescued five kidnap victims, and killed four kidnappers while dismantling forest camps. Food Affordability: NBS data ranks Adamawa as Nigeria’s most affordable state for food items in May 2026, though protein and fresh produce remain pressured. Elderly Welfare: Renewed Hope for the Elderly says Tinubu’s administration is restructuring the National Senior Citizens Centre to expand pensions, specialised healthcare and age-friendly services. Politics & 2027: Sunday Dare insists Peter Obi “cannot defeat” Tinubu in Lagos again, while Atiku accuses Tinubu of pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state. Public Safety in Lagos: LASTMA launches a toll-free 3367 hotline for traffic emergencies and reporting misconduct.

Security & Safety: Ogun and Lagos police launched Operation “Kosaye”, killing four kidnappers, rescuing five victims and arresting 88 suspects after raids along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway and forest corridors. Rural Violence: Gunmen attacked a farming community in Zamfara’s Talata Mafara area, killing at least 15; earlier in the month, 17 farmers were killed in another Zamfara farming area. Policing Reform: A cybersecurity professor says Nigeria’s state police bill must be built with AI, digital forensics and real-time crime analytics, warning structure alone won’t fix failures. Cost of Living: A fresh commentary highlights how rising food, transport and healthcare costs are squeezing Nigerians into smaller purchases and poorer diets. Education Data: Lagos begins unique ID registration for public and private school students via LASRRA and OEQA to improve enrolment tracking. Business & Jobs: VP Shettima says MSMEs drive 90% of businesses and 60 million jobs, urging enterprise-led growth. EU Investment Push: Nigeria, EU and ECOWAS unveil investment avenues at a regional business forum in Lagos. International Claims: Trump again claims US strikes “ended” Christian killings in Nigeria, threatening more action if attacks resume. Health & Consumer Protection: NAFDAC flags off the “Read the Food Label” campaign to help Nigerians make safer food choices.

State Police Bill Debate: Peter Obi, ADC’s Ndume and others say the State Police Bill was rushed and could be abused politically without safeguards, oversight and proper procedures. Security & Identity Tech: Tinubu’s signing of the NIMC Act 2026 is already linked to arrests of seven Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders returning from Hajj, after NIMC data integration with immigration and Interpol. Terrorism Claims by US: Trump says US strikes in Nigeria “largely ended” mass killings of Christians, while Adeboye and Oyedepo urge more US action against terrorism. Health Workforce Gap: FG says Nigeria needs about 122,696 primary healthcare workers and estimates N4.55bn over three years to recruit them. Lagos Crackdown: Sanwo-Olu issues 72-hour eviction notice for shanties on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway median and orders demolition of distressed buildings after collapse deaths. Corruption/Justice: FCID Lagos alleges a 22-year-old ran a N16.17m pregnancy scam; DSS compensates and releases a man wrongfully linked to Boko Haram. Economy & Markets: Nigeria Stock Exchange correction wipes trillions, with analysts urging informed investing. Energy & Crime-Fighting: FG says it’s expanding tech and intelligence to tackle drug trafficking and insecurity.

Court Battles & Democracy: Peter Obi says a Lokoja court ruling nullifying the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) registration is a “setback” for Nigeria’s democracy, warning that key institutions are being weakened. Lagos Building Collapse: Lagos officials say occupants of a distressed Alakija building returned after pretending to comply with evacuation orders; nine died and 27 were rescued, with authorities moving to demolish other defective structures. Lagos Fire Incidents: A fire broke out on Biola Street in Ketu, Alapere, sparking panic as Lagos firefighters battled the blaze; no casualties confirmed yet. Crime & Public Safety: Lagos police arrested a 21-year-old allegedly found with a suspected human hand, firearms, axes, a POS terminal and ATM cards. Digital Health & Identity: Tinubu approved the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, while the NIMC Act 2026 was signed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity system for security and services. Security Cooperation: Nigeria and the UK reaffirmed defence and security ties, including a review of existing agreements. Sports: Nigeria’s D’Tigers slipped to 12th in FIBA Africa Power Rankings after a tough start to World Cup qualifiers.