AGP Executive Report

Osun Governorship Tension: With the Aug. 15 election days away, President Tinubu ordered EFCC to reverse the freezing of Osun’s statutory allocation account, deepening controversy over federal interference as APC leaders push for Oyebamiji and the Army warns troops to stay professional and neutral amid claims of police bias. Banking Market Update: Nigeria’s NGX banking stocks’ total market value jumped to N27.4tn in July, lifting the Banking Index and reflecting stronger investor appetite and improved FX conditions. Oil & Energy: TotalEnergies says refined products are rising in the UK’s imports from Nigeria and its Ubeta and Ima projects are on track for first oil in 2027/2028, while NNPC rejects claims of underperformance and points to output growth. Public Finance Pressure: Nigeria’s domestic debt service hit N3.14tn in Q1 2026, with interest payments taking 95% of the bill, as total public debt rose to N159.35tn. Regional Security & Climate: Nigeria is seeking over $50bn to restore the shrinking Lake Chad Basin, linking water recovery to security and livelihoods. Sports & Culture: Super Falcons face Cameroon in a WAFCON quarter-final with World Cup qualification at stake; Lagos hosts the Commonwealth fencing championships and elects Adeyinka Samuel as Commonwealth Fencing Federation president. Health Emergency: Bauchi confirms cholera outbreak deaths and declares an emergency, seeking donor support. Lagos Public Order: Sanwo-Olu orders clearance of the Lagos-Badagry international highway and targets vandalism on key bridge infrastructure. Football Governance Row: NFF denies asking FIFA’s Infantino to resign as debate grows around FIFA’s commercial plans.

Hostage Rescue: Nigeria’s forces freed 308 hostages held by jihadi kidnappers in Kwara State, with victims describing brutal captivity conditions after months in forests near rivers. Politics & Elections: Atiku attacks Tinubu’s “PowerPoint economics” after a CBN survey showed weak household buying conditions, while Osun’s Accord Party alleges APC-linked hackers tried to tamper with INEC’s digital system ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship poll. Security & Crime: Police in Benue arrest five Pakistani nationals over suspicious movements, and a Kano court remands a woman accused of severing her boyfriend’s manhood. Economy & Business: MTN Nigeria says it invested N1.62tn in network infrastructure in H1 2026 and posts a 70.6% profit jump, while NGX/ Tinubu pushes stock market education in universities as market cap climbs toward ₦160tn. Sports: Flying Eagles face Burkina Faso for the WAFU B U20 title and a ticket to next year’s AFCON U20, and NPFL clubs keep signing up for 2026/27.

Osun Election Watch: INEC warned of rising vote-buying ahead of the August 15 governorship poll, as civil society urged police and security agencies to stay neutral and professional. Anti-corruption Tension: Reactions continue over President Tinubu’s directive for EFCC to return to court and vacate the order freezing Osun State’s accounts, with groups split on what it means for anti-graft independence. Capital Markets Push: Tinubu and NGX Group advanced plans to use Nigeria’s capital market to accelerate the $1tn economy agenda, citing market growth and a shift toward long-term capital formation. Security & Military Reform: COAS charged troops to uphold professionalism as the army expands new formations, while Bauchi Governor Mohammed ordered intensified crackdowns on criminal hideouts. Health & Local Production: FG plans local production of family planning commodities via a partnership involving Bayer and a local manufacturer in Anambra. Oil Theft Crackdown: Nigeria Navy recovered about 105,000 litres of suspected stolen crude in Delta under Operation Delta Sentinel. Business & Industry: Goldman Sachs executives toured Dangote’s refinery complex, praising its scale and quality. Sports & WAFCON: Nigeria’s Super Falcons face Cameroon in a quarter-final with a World Cup ticket at stake.

WAFCON Quarter-final: Nigeria’s Super Falcons scraped into the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in second place, setting up a Sunday clash with Cameroon in Casablanca after a 6-2 win over Egypt and a 1-0 bounce-back over Zambia following their opening loss to Malawi. Aviation Safety Funding Debate: A fresh National Assembly hearing has reignited concerns over how Nigeria’s aviation agencies are funded, with calls to review revenue-sharing and fees so safety isn’t compromised. Security & Violence: Gunmen attacked three Kogi communities in Lokoja LGA in a suspected reprisal attack, killing at least seven, while Edo police rescued four kidnapping victims on the Lagos-Benin Expressway. Lagos Infrastructure Protection: Lagos arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising the Festac Town–Alakija bridge, removing rods, cables and reinforcements. Economy & Currency: The naira held steady around N1,367/$ as the CBN boosted FX liquidity. Energy & Policy: Tinubu welcomed Nigeria’s re-entry into the World Energy Council, naming Abdulrazaq Isa and Bala Wunti to lead the governing board. Health & Workforce Gap: A psychiatrist warns Nigeria has fewer than 300 psychiatrists for over 200 million people, urging urgent implementation of the National Mental Health Act. Sports (NPFL): Kun Khalifat FC is seeking new owners ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Anti-graft Clash in Osun: President Tinubu ordered the EFCC to return to court to vacate the freezing of Osun State’s account, calling the timing “embarrassing” and raising fears of election interference ahead of August 15. ICPC PFIPC Fraud Probe: ICPC absolved Femi Gbajabiamila in the PFIPC saga, saying the “PFIPC” was fictitious and that a forged appointment letter was presented, while other phantom agencies were allegedly floated. Cybercrime Case: DSS arraigned Ugochukwu Eze (“Amazon”) in Lagos over alleged hacking of SunTrust Bank’s server and diverting N800m, with a not-guilty plea entered. Power Sector Woes: NERC said Discos collected N208.15bn from N252.87bn billed in May (82.32% collection efficiency), but overall recovery slipped, leaving big uncollected sums. Energy & Investment Push: Shettima urged Saudi investors to partner with Nigeria; Seplat CEO called for asset integrity to unlock value; Nigeria rejoined the World Energy Council with a new governing board. Economy & Markets: Tinubu hailed NGX’s market rebound; AfDB warned Nigeria’s weak revenue base and low productivity threaten infrastructure financing goals. WAFCON Update: Cameroon topped Group D and will face Nigeria in the quarter-finals.

Osun Account Freeze Row: President Tinubu ordered the EFCC to vacate the court order freezing Osun State accounts, saying the timing embarrassed him and could be seen as electoral interference, as EFCC insists its restriction was lawful and targeted. Crypto Tax Push: Nigeria introduced stamp duty and withholding taxes on crypto transactions, with industry groups warning it may hurt adoption and push exchanges into acting as tax agents. Security Rescue: An ONSA-led joint operation involving DSS, military and other agencies rescued 308 kidnapped victims across Kwara and Niger, with victims receiving medical attention. Energy & Investment: NUPRC targets $30bn–$50bn offshore oil and gas investment by 2030, citing approvals of $57bn in field development plans since 2024. Environment & Lagos Enforcement: LASEPA sealed 12 firms in Ijora Causeway and Apapa for repeated environmental violations, while GEAF and NYCN removed about 500kg of waste from Lagos’ Orimedu coastline. Business & Sports: Nestlé Nigeria posted 28% profit growth in H1 2026; Super Falcons thrashed Egypt 6-2 to reach WAFCON quarter-finals. Diplomacy: Canada expanded air transport rights with Nigeria for direct flights, and the UK appointed Vicky Seymour as Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja.

Health & Safety: FG orders immediate protection of health workers nationwide after reports of harassment and assaults at federal facilities, with investigations and possible prosecution for offenders. Public Health Milestone: Nigeria’s malaria burden drops to 15% in 2025 from 42% in 2010, driven by vector control, surveillance, SMC in the north and a free malaria vaccine rollout. Finance & Consumer Protection: NDIC begins paying insured deposits to customers of 46 failed microfinance banks after CBN revoked licences and appointed NDIC as provisional liquidator. Regulation & Courts: NAICOM moves to recapitalisation enforcement as Nigeria Re and NICON drag the regulator to court; meanwhile, NBA challenges EFCC’s reported freeze of Osun’s statutory account. Education: WAEC releases CB-WASSCE results: 61.54% get credits in at least five subjects; 167,486 results withheld over malpractice. Digital Economy: NCC leases Enugu’s Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre to the state for a 15-year push on AI and digital skills. Energy & Prices: Dangote Refinery cuts ex-depot petrol to N1,165/litre and diesel to N1,570/litre. Sports: Super Falcons thrash Egypt 6-2 to reach WAFCON quarter-finals; Flying Eagles beat Côte d’Ivoire on penalties to reach the WAFU B U20 final.

Anti-Corruption Claims: AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore accused the Accountant General’s Office, Ministry of Finance and Auditor-General’s Office of driving corruption, saying his administration would use AI to spot double payments and fraud. Customs Crackdown: Nigeria Customs in Adamawa/Taraba seized contraband worth over ₦362m, including illegal wildlife parts, PMS, cannabis and donkey skins, arresting five suspects. EFCC vs Osun: EFCC reportedly froze Osun State’s FirstBank account “Post No Debit” days to the Aug. 15 governorship election; the state AG says it will sue, arguing freezing without court order is unlawful. Education: WAEC withheld 167,486 WASSCE results (8.59%) over exam malpractice, citing phone use and cheating. Security & Governance: Rivers police arrested suspects over the killing of two officers and recovered stolen rifles; meanwhile, Mimiko urged power devolution using the “Jethro Principle.” Energy Transition: FG says stronger public-private collaboration is key to scaling solar and renewables. Sports & Culture: Bayelsa’s 14-year-old chess prodigy Goodness Ekunke won the World Rapid Amateur Chess Championship in Abuja; PFN vowed to keep preaching in buses despite the ban.

Armed Forces Pay Boost: President Tinubu approved a 30% to 80% salary increase for about 250,000 armed forces personnel, effective Sept. 1, raising the annual wage bill from N660bn to N924bn. Security & Violence: In Jigawa, police arrested nine after market unrest in Taura that began with a fatal altercation and escalated into attacks on a police station and vigilantes. Insecurity in the North-Central: Benue PDP candidate Michael Aondoakaa condemned fresh killings by suspected herdsmen in Guma, urging prevention over reaction. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed ordered security agencies to crush illegal mining “even if my son is involved,” stressing no favour. Corruption Probe: A businessman told the House committee he paid N400m to a “fake” agency DG, Adeniyi Adeyemi, for a contract to renovate an official residence. Digital Push: FG says it will roll out a 90,000km fibre optic network nationwide in weeks. Justice System: Lagos’ Federal High Court begins relocation to a new complex, sparking backlash over parking fees for lawyers and litigants. Health: US CDC reports Nigeria hit 96% viral suppression among people on HIV treatment, above the UNAIDS 95% target. Sports & Politics: Tinubu felicitated Team Nigeria after 24 medals at Glasgow 2026; meanwhile, Wike traded barbs with Amaechi over Rivers politics and electoral value.

Insecurity in the North-West: Gunmen attacked Lajinge village in Sokoto, killing at least 12 people, burning a family, and abducting women and children, as police launch investigations. Politics & Elections: Osun’s Governor Ademola Adeleke warned that his state “will not accept any rigging” ahead of the August 15 governorship election, while APC in Osun hit back at Adeleke’s criticism of Tinubu, calling it desperation. Rivers/2027 Politics: Nyesom Wike dismissed Rotimi Amaechi’s emergence as Atiku’s running mate as “dead on arrival,” arguing Amaechi can’t deliver votes. Court & Electoral Act: A Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the NDC suit seeking to void sections of the Electoral Act 2026, ruling they align with the constitution. Sports & National Pride: Tinubu congratulated Team Nigeria after Glasgow 2026, where Nigeria won 24 medals (10 gold), while Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja was temporarily shut over a security threat. Housing Finance: FMBN fire in Abuja: the housing minister says no critical records or customer data were lost, with operations expected to continue. Customs Recruitment: Nigeria Customs released the final list for ASC II recruitment and says future recruitment will be yearly. Energy/Business: Dangote Sugar returned to profit in H1 2026, and Reuters reports Dangote refinery plans a major IPO to raise about $5bn in October.

State Policing Push: FG moves to draft a National Policing Bill ahead of state police rollout, with a seven-week plan and constitutional amendments still needing state House endorsements. Catholic Church vs Presidency: Orji Kalu backs CBCN as “Nigeria’s conscience,” while Atiku demands Tinubu apologise after attacks on Catholic bishops and Cardinal Onaiyekan. Security Pressure: Falana urges the IGP to take over investigations into the deaths of Mary Habila and Babatunde Tanimola, warning cases must not be “swept under the carpet.” Insecurity Call-Out: Bishop Oyedepo rejects bus-preaching fines, saying government should tackle killings and insecurity first. Crime Crackdown: Lagos police arrest two over suspected counterfeit drug syndicate; Navy and Customs intercept smuggled rice boats on Badagry waterways. Economy & Money: CBN says currency in circulation hit N5.73trn in 2025 after printing 3.43bn naira notes; NAICOM recapitalisation leaves 8 insurers awaiting final verification. Transport & Business: Air Peace launches Lagos–Conakry–Bamako flights to deepen intra-African connectivity. Sports & Culture: NVBF unveils Japanese coach Ryan Masajedi; Pivot Nigeria brings reputation campaign to UNILAG students.

Security & Kidnapping: Gunmen in Zamfara swept into Kasuwar Daji village and a nearby military base, abducting at least 52 people, including children, after seizing rifles and setting a patrol vehicle ablaze. Court & Rights: DSS urged the Federal High Court to end Omoyele Sowore’s defence over alleged trial delays, while a separate call urges security agencies to compensate victims of wrongful arrests. Politics & Elections: Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan warned that if Nigerians believe APC victory in 2027 is predetermined, voter turnout and legitimacy will suffer. Legislative Clash: PFIPC’s Adeyemi asked the House of Representatives for administrative clearance to testify, saying reports without him are “fundamentally flawed.” Regulation & Economy: NRS ordered crypto exchanges and VASPs to require customers’ valid Tax ID before account activation; Lagos launched a $5,000 youth climate grant fund (ages 15–24). Public Service: NYSC said no NERD clearance, no mobilization, and issued fresh orientation camp guidelines. Health & Society: NiDCOM confirmed release of Nigerian girls detained in Mauritius. Business & Markets: Nigeria exported about 182.2m barrels of crude in H1 2026 worth N24.02tn as prices rose; NGX week ended July 31 closed slightly down.

Osun Election Tension: Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke urged voters to ignore threats and “troop out” for the August 15 governorship election, while his Imole Campaign Council warned of an “unsettled political climate” and said 46 Accord leaders were arrested ahead of the poll. Presidency vs Atiku: The Presidency defended Tinubu’s economic reforms, dismissing Atiku Abubakar’s claims of a N7.98tn oil windfall and fiscal recklessness as based on outdated data. Safe Schools Overhaul: The Federal Ministry of Education created a full Safe Schools Department to coordinate school safety across all 774 LGs. Insurance Recapitalisation: NAICOM confirmed 43 insurance firms met new minimum capital requirements, pushing the sector to finance bigger risks and infrastructure. Pensions Red Flag: PenCom said uncredited pension contributions hit about N99.28bn as it moves to identify missing owners. Lagos Blood Screening Deal: Lagos signed a five-year concession to standardise blood screening across public hospitals using automated systems. Energy/Markets: NLNG warned Nigeria’s LNG market share could fall further due to feedstock supply and capacity constraints; OPEC+ approved another 188,000 bpd increase for September. Sports: Nigeria ended Glasgow 2026 as Africa’s top nation with 24 medals (10 gold), led by Samuel Ogazi’s men’s 400m gold. Road Safety: LASTMA reported a speeding-related lone crash in Lagos that killed a female driver.

Legal & Justice: LPDC has fixed September 30 for ruling in a petition against SAN Ikechukwu Ezechukwu and two others over alleged professional misconduct, criminal misrepresentation, forgery and perjury. Politics & Religion: Atiku Abubakar condemned the Presidency’s attack on Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan, accusing Tinubu’s camp of intimidation over dissent. Security (South-East): Military pressure is pushing some IPOB/ESN fighters in the South-East to surrender arms, while Anambra’s Agunechemba outfit says it dismantled gunmen camps and recovered heavy weapons. Anti-Corruption: SERAP urged Tinubu to order investigation and prosecution over allegations that ₦6.79bn police funds are missing, diverted or misapplied, including missing firearms and poor exhibit handling. 2027 Opposition Strategy: G-100 is calling for opposition parties to unite behind a single candidate, warning fragmentation could doom Nigeria’s democracy. Economy & Daily Life: NNPC cut petrol pump prices—down to ₦1,265 in Lagos and ₦1,335 in Abuja—while FAAN clarified Lagos Airport Terminal 2 “fire” was smoke from the suppression system, with operations resumed. Human Rights (Court Action): Centre for Community Law sued Nigeria over rape/incest survivors’ rights, seeking court interpretation on constitutional protections for pregnancies from sexual violence. Regional Security: Nigeria deployed 86 troops to ECOWAS mission in Guinea-Bissau.

INEC & 2027 Elections: INEC has published the names and running-mate particulars of Tinubu, Atiku, Obi and 16 others for the 2027 race, including Shettima, Amaechi and Kwankwaso, as credential display timelines begin. Budget & Revenue: FAAC reported N18.72tn gross revenue and N12.59tn disbursed to federal, states and LGAs in H1 2026, with Lagos taking the biggest share. Osun Poll Watch: INEC chair Joash Amupitan says 14 parties will contest the Aug 15 Osun governorship election, while APC campaign machinery holds an emergency strategy meeting amid violence concerns. Security Updates: Troops in Borno foiled an ISWAP/Boko Haram abduction attempt, rescuing 31 civilians; in Enugu, the army rescued a kidnapped lieutenant colonel and a civilian after a 10-day operation. Diplomacy & Travel: The US plans a $20,000 visa bond for eligible Nigerians and warns against AI-edited passport photos; it also ends routine visa services in Abuja, shifting processing to Lagos. Fire Incident: A fire gutted parts of the Federal Mortgage Bank headquarters in Abuja; no casualties reported. Politics & Rhetoric: Obasanjo again attacked Atiku over the 1999 VP choice, while the Presidency hit back at Cardinal Onaiyekan over “desperation” claims. Sports: Nigeria’s Super Falcons beat Zambia 1-0 in WAFCON, and Team Nigeria ended Glasgow 2026 sixth overall with 23 medals.

Migration Crisis: Over 48,000 migrants have returned to Morocco from Spain’s Ceuta after mass crossings, with Spain and Italy tightening security as the death toll from the surge reportedly rose to 57. Diplomacy: Nigeria says 65 of 69 Tinubu-appointed ambassadors have been accepted by host countries, with two pending due to refusal and death, and others still awaiting consent. Security & Accountability: Kwara police dismissed claims that 176 residents were abducted in the Woro/Nuku attack, saying the figure isn’t from any official security record. Elections Watch: INEC begins public display of 2027 presidential candidates’ particulars and running mates’ credentials in line with the timetable, with Tinubu/Shettima, Atiku/Amaechi and Obi/Kwankwaso among those listed. Politics & Power: Cardinal Onaiyekan alleges “sycophants” are giving Tinubu a rosy picture of Nigeria, while Atiku hits back at Obasanjo over criticism tied to the third-term fight. Sports: Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games medal haul stays strong as Ella Onojuvwevwo wins bronze in women’s 400m and Samuel Ogazi takes men’s 400m gold; meanwhile the Super Falcons face Zambia in WAFCON with elimination pressure after Malawi upset. Religion: Nigeria lifts the ban on Christian pilgrimage to Israel after an NCPC security assessment, routing pilgrims via Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Health/Environment: NESREA seeks stronger collaboration with ACReSAL on climate action and environmental protection in Taraba. Business/Tech: NGX chairman says fintech must go beyond payments to expand credit, insurance and pensions, as Nigeria pushes deeper financial inclusion.