AGP Executive Report

Cross-Border Trade & Ports: ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar renewed calls to reopen Nigeria’s land borders with Niger, Benin, Chad and Cameroon, arguing closures have crushed legitimate trans-border commerce and pushed traders into bankruptcy—linking the economic shock to rising insecurity. Security Funding Pressure: Nigeria’s House Minority Caucus urged President Tinubu to launch an emergency northern security intervention, proposing $5bn drawn from external reserves and a sustained intelligence-led offensive to reclaim areas from terrorists and bandits. Kidnap Economy Costs: SBM Intelligence reports 7,825 kidnappings (1,713 incidents) and 1,142 deaths between July 2025–June 2026, with ransom payments rising to ₦7.78bn; it says Boko Haram’s JAS faction took about 90% of paid ransoms. Power Reliability in the Region: Nigeria’s TCN declared force majeure after three towers collapsed on the 132kV Birnin Kebbi–Niamey line due to heavy rain and windstorm, disrupting bulk supply to Niamey. Rail & Logistics: Nigeria reaffirmed December 2026 commissioning for the Kano–Katsina rail project, now at about 80% completion, despite insecurity, land disputes and rainy-season slowdown. Aviation Connectivity: ASKY launched a new Kano–Niamey air service from September 2, aiming to boost business links between Nigeria and Niger. Energy Market Payments: NERC says Benin, Togo and Niger owed Nigeria $11.16m in electricity bills at end-2025, highlighting collection gaps in bilateral power arrangements.

Northern Security Pressure: Nigeria’s House of Representatives minority caucus urged President Tinubu to launch an emergency security intervention, proposing $5bn drawn from external reserves to curb terrorism, banditry and mass abductions, and calling for sustained intelligence-led operations to reclaim communities. Kidnap Economy Cost: A report by SBM Intelligence says 7,825 people were abducted in 1,713 incidents between July 2025 and June 2026, with at least 1,142 deaths and N7.78bn paid in ransom; it warns payments are strengthening armed groups. Rail Investment Watch: Nigeria reaffirmed plans to commission the Kano–Katsina railway by December 2026, citing 80% physical completion after inspections, despite insecurity, land disputes and rainy-season delays. Infrastructure Security: Works Minister Dave Umahi ordered CCTV installation on the First Niger Bridge after vandals stole bolts and components, while also inspecting erosion risks on the second bridge. Regional Diplomacy: Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine arrived in Algeria to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including new opportunities for economic and social development. Labour Update: Nigeria Labour Congress General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja died at 60 after illness, a blow to organised labour leadership.

Kidnap Economy Shock: Nigeria’s armed groups collected at least ₦7.78bn (about $5.8m) in ransom between July 2025–June 2026, as kidnappings rose 66% to 7,825 victims and deaths climbed to 1,142—with one Boko Haram faction taking ~90% of payments. Niger Security & Community Impact: In Niger State, bandits reportedly released 48 children after ransom was paid, underscoring how kidnapping continues to disrupt local livelihoods and household finances. Niger Budget Planning: Niger’s Planning Commission says the 2027 budget will be realistic and responsive, with security flagged as a top priority and calls for stronger local capital spending. Uranium Sovereignty Push: Niger moved further to reclaim its uranium sector, awarding permits to TSUMCO (Arlit) and MAMICO (Madaouela), tied to local jobs and supplier priorities. Regional Business Links: ASKY launched a new air service linking Kano and Niamey from Sept 2, aiming to boost trade and mobility across West Africa. Energy Investment Signal: Savannah Energy reported $160.6m revenue for the first seven months of 2026 and higher Nigerian cash collections, pointing to improving operating momentum.

Niger Uranium Deal: Niger’s Council of Ministers has awarded a large uranium mining permit to the state-owned TSUMCO SA for the Arlit area, replacing Orano’s former SOMAÏR role after nationalisation—another step in tightening local control of mining revenues. Oil & Gas Finance: Savannah Energy reported $160.6m revenue for seven months to July 31, 2026, with Nigeria cash collections up 13% to $247.9m, supported by progress at Uquo 13 and expansion at Stubb Creek. Infrastructure & Industry: Niger signed a $1.9bn Dosso refinery PPP for a 100,000-b/d refinery and petrochemical complex, aiming to boost domestic processing and jobs. Land Restoration for Food Security: UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia named three “World Restoration Flagships,” including the Sahel Integrated Resilience Initiative led by WFP, which is restoring degraded land and supporting smallholders across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Local Economy Under Strain: In Niger State, insecurity is hitting livelihoods—leather artisans in Niamey report falling sales as supply chains and market access weaken. Security With Economic Fallout: Bandits released 48 children in Niger State after a reported ransom, highlighting how kidnapping continues to disrupt families and local commerce.

Land Restoration & Food Security: The UN World Food Programme says the Sahel Integrated Resilience Initiative has been named a UN World Restoration Flagship at UNCCD COP17, citing work across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger that has supported over 4 million people and rehabilitated 335,000 hectares, with added school meals and nutrition. Sahel Green Wall Progress: UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said Africa’s Great Green Wall has restored at least 20 million hectares, including 5 million hectares regenerated by farmers in Niger, while warning that insecurity and drought still threaten livelihoods. Niger Energy & Industry: Niger has signed a $1.9bn Dosso refinery PPP for a 100,000-bpd refinery and petrochemical complex. Regional Air Connectivity: ASKY will launch a new Kano–Niamey air service from September 2, routed via Lomé, aimed at boosting trade and mobility. Security & Business Risk: A report warns terrorists are using social media and remittance platforms to fund operations, urging stronger checks by donors. Local Livelihoods Under Pressure: Niamey’s leather/tanning sector says insecurity is disrupting supply chains and cutting sales, threatening jobs for nearly 200 workers at one major tannery. Policy & Budget Pressure: Niger stakeholders are pushing for roads, schools and healthcare to be prioritized in the 2027 budget. Sanctions Watch: Analysts say Russia is building an “air shadow fleet” logistics network across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, raising supply and security concerns. Poverty Snapshot: Niger appears among the world’s poorest economies in a GDP-PPP ranking, underscoring the stakes for jobs and investment.

Security & Humanitarian Response: Nigeria’s President Tinubu ordered a coordinated rescue operation after a mass abduction tied to a mosque attack in Niger State, directing the military, police and DSS to give him regular updates. Local Economy Under Pressure: Niger’s leather artisans in Niamey say insecurity is disrupting hides supply and cutting market access, hitting sales for traditional tanneries employing nearly 200 people. Terror Impact in Niger State: Reports say at least 30 people were killed in attacks on four mosques in Borgu LGA, with dozens abducted and residents fleeing to safer areas and Benin. Budget Priorities: Niger stakeholders are pushing for roads, schools and healthcare to be captured and implemented in the 2027 budget, warning that planning must translate into delivery. Health & Livelihood Support: UNICEF and Niger officials urged local chairmen to prioritise nutrition in budgets, while Qatar Charity and QRCS backed eye-care and economic empowerment projects in Niger. Energy Access: CEI Africa pledged €2m to expand off-grid solar financing across Africa, with Niger highlighted among beneficiaries. Regional Politics: The AES confederal parliament formally opened in Niamey, installing lawmakers from Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. Agriculture & Resilience: UNCCD warned land restoration needs predictable financing and stronger national plans, as degradation costs far more than it takes to fix.

Roads & Local Budget Pressure: Niger State stakeholders are pushing for real rehabilitation of roads, schools and hospitals in the 2027 budget, warning that many capital projects stall in execution—only 4.22% performance recorded in 2026 capital spending. Security Shock: Attacks on four Niger State mosques in Borgu LGA left at least 30 dead after worshippers were abducted during Juma’at prayers; residents fled to safer areas as security forces moved in. Nutrition at Grassroots: Niger and UNICEF are urging local government chairmen to prioritise nutrition through the N-25 initiative, targeting pregnant women, mothers and children under five in the first 1,000 days. Health Access: Qatar Red Crescent Society (with partners) launched an anti-blindness drive in Niger for 12,000 patients and 2,000 cataract surgeries across Niamey, Diffa, Tillabéri and Zinder. Energy & Trade Finance: CEI Africa backed off-grid solar expansion with €2m to widen access across Africa, including support mechanisms that could link to Niger’s mini-grid push. Uranium Deal Watch: Atomic Eagle says it has agreed new mining convention terms with Niger for Madaouela uranium—60% company/40% state—aiming to end a long dispute and lift investor attention around Niger’s resource sector.

Uranium Deal Watch: Atomic Eagle (ASX:AEU) says it has agreed new terms with Niger to re-establish its stake in the Madaouela uranium project, restoring a 60% interest and operational control while Niger holds 40% (15% free-carried, 25% contributing); the company also expects arbitration to be withdrawn soon and is pushing for technical work toward a JORC-compliant resource. National Industry Restructuring: Niger’s Council of Ministers also granted two big uranium permits to national firms—TSUMCO for In Azaoua and MAMICO for Madaouela I—marking a shift from foreign operators back to state-linked control. Regional Governance: The AES confederal parliament formally opened in Niamey with lawmakers installed from Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, aiming to set up stronger parliamentary cooperation. Nutrition at the Local Level: Niger and UNICEF urged local council chairmen to prioritize nutrition spending under the N-25 initiative. Health & Livelihoods: Qatar Charity backed economic empowerment in Niger (sewing machines and motorcycles), while QRCS launched a cataract-focused eye-care campaign targeting thousands of patients. Security & Business Disruption: A mob in Niger State reportedly lynched two suspected thieves; meanwhile, insecurity continues to keep farmers and traders off key roads, squeezing Niger’s food economy.

Uranium Deal in Niger: Atomic Eagle shares surged up to 17% after agreeing a new mining convention with Niger to re-establish its Madaouela uranium project, granting the company 60% interest and operational control while Niger holds 40%, with a new exploitation permit via a Nigerien subsidiary. National Uranium Restructuring: Niger also granted two major uranium mining permits to national companies—TSUMCO for In Azaoua and MAMICO for Madaouela I—part of a wider shift away from foreign operators. Sahel Security Watch: The US and Europe are raising alarm over Russia’s “air shadow fleet,” with at least 75 flights linked to Russian state-aligned forces reported across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger between 2025 and mid-2026. Food & Trade Pressure in Niger State: Road insecurity is still disrupting farmers, traders and drivers even after protests led to roads reopening, keeping supplies and incomes under strain. Drug Enforcement: NDLEA arrested a 101-year-old woman in Ogun for alleged cannabis dealing and seized cocaine hidden in fufu plus Loud worth over ₦4.4bn at Lagos ports. Local Business Disruption: A major fire in Ilorin’s Niger Junction destroyed five shops and damaged part of a building, with mattresses and sofa materials blamed for the rapid spread.

Uranium Deal in Niger: Atomic Eagle says it has re-established its interest in the Madaouela uranium project after signing a new mining convention with Niger, securing a 60% stake while Niger holds 40% (15% free-carried, 25% contributing), with the project backed by a historical 116.5Mlb U3O8 resource—adding scale to the firm’s Zambia-based Muntanga portfolio. Security & Terrorism: Niger’s southwest Dosso region suffered a deadly attack on a gendarmerie position in Tessa, with at least 18 security personnel killed, underscoring persistent Sahel instability. Drug Enforcement & Trade Risks: NDLEA reports major seizures and arrests, including a 101-year-old woman in Ogun State allegedly dealing in skunk and the interception of cocaine hidden in “fufu,” alongside Loud (synthetic cannabis) worth over ₦4.4bn seized at Lagos ports—signals of high-value illicit trade pressures on Niger’s wider region. Governance Debate: In Niger State, APC chieftain Jonathan Vatsa backs Atiku’s criticism of fuel subsidy removal, arguing the policy has worsened hardship and poverty. Regional Business Links: Turkey’s exports to Africa rose 12.6% year-on-year to $13.3bn in the first seven months, with Nigeria showing the strongest growth among major markets—an indicator of continued trade pull for West Africa. Sports (Women’s Football): Edo Queens kick off their WAFU B campaign in Burkina Faso with a Group B opener against AS Garde Nationale of Niger.

Niger Refinery Deal: Niger has signed an agreement with Canada’s Zimar Group Inc. and US partner Hightech Co. for a $1.9bn, 100,000-b/d grassroots refinery and petrochemical complex at Dosso under a 16-year BOT plan, with 4 months to secure financing and complete engineering. Drug Enforcement: NDLEA arrested a 101-year-old woman in Ogun for selling skunk in sachets and also seized Loud worth over N4.4bn at Lagos ports, with bail and counselling ordered due to her age. Regional Security & Logistics: A report says Russia is sustaining Sahel operations using a network of military and private aircraft linked to Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, echoing its “shadow fleet” approach. Lake Chad Economic Push: Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni pledged Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum support for sustainable security and economic growth after visiting the Lake Chad Basin Commission in Chad. Local Infrastructure Pressure: Niger State lawmakers and stakeholders renewed calls for faster rehabilitation of the Bida-Lapai-Lambata road, citing security and economic damage from the road’s deterioration. Livestock & Food Security: Yobe says it produces nearly 10m livestock heads annually and is expanding vaccination and grazing reserve facilities to reduce farmer-herder conflicts. Trade Boost: Turkey’s exports to Africa rose to $13.3bn in the first seven months, with Niger seeing a sharp jump in shipments.

Sahel Security Snapshot: A new Global Terrorism Index 2026 report says the Sahel has become the world’s deadliest terrorism hotspot, accounting for over half of global terrorism deaths in 2025 and showing a sharp rise since 2007—placing Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria among the most affected. Trade & Investment: Türkiye’s exports to Africa jumped 12.6% to $13.3bn in the first seven months, with Niger seeing an 80.5% surge in July alone. Niger Energy Deal: Niger signed a $1.9bn agreement 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 financing and engineering milestones set. Roads & Security Link: Niger State stakeholders pushed the federal government to restart the Bida–Lapai–Lambata road, citing economic losses and insecurity from the deteriorating corridor. Humanitarian & Local Governance: UNICEF-supported Nutrition-25 training in Niger State targets LGA chairmen and DPMs to improve grassroots nutrition delivery. Regional Politics: Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum chair Mai Mala Buni reaffirmed commitment to security and economic growth, citing Tinubu’s support for regional stabilisation.

Road Rehab Watch: Niger State lawmakers and stakeholders say the Bida–Lapai–Lambata road will soon see renewed federal action, with calls for emergency repairs and contractor mobilisation within two months to cut insecurity and revive trade along the corridor. Humanitarian Relief: Future Pathways Foundation, with Senator Sani Musa’s support, delivered cash, rice and household items to over 100 vulnerable residents in Tunga, Minna, aiming for quick grassroots relief. Lake Chad Security & Growth: Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni pledged Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum commitment to sustainable security and economic growth, citing Tinubu’s support for regional stabilisation and the Multinational Joint Task Force. Regional Security & Crime: Libya’s 444th Combat Brigade says it arrested two suspects in a drug-trafficking operation linked to routes involving Chad and Niger, seizing about 13,000 hallucinogenic tablets. Legal/Business Climate: A US court overturned Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, while the US also sanctioned ICC officials—moves that could shape cross-border labour and investment sentiment. EFCC & Cybercrime: EFCC withdrew cybercrime-related charges against Maryam Shehu and Abdulhamad after public backlash and pleas, a reminder of how enforcement actions can quickly turn into reputational and legal pressure. Kidnapping Update: Kaduna police rescued 75 abducted travellers after gunmen hid them in a cave, with NURTW information helping trigger a rapid response.

Roads & Security: Niger State stakeholders pushed the Federal Government to restart the Bida-Lapai-Lambata road, warning the deteriorating corridor is worsening insecurity and hurting trade; Works Minister David Umahi says work will resume soon, with emergency repairs and contractor mobilisation expected within two months. Anti-Corruption & Courts: EFCC withdrew cybercrime charges against student Maryam Shehu and Abdulhamad after public backlash and pleas for leniency, though MonITNG is still questioning whether EFCC can prosecute citizens for alleged attacks on its reputation. Regional Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov and Ghana’s foreign minister agreed measures to normalise relations between ECOWAS and the AES bloc, with Ghana positioned as a key bridge for security and counterterrorism cooperation. Crime & Transport: Kaduna police rescued 75 abducted travellers hidden in a cave after gunmen intercepted buses near Folwaya village; the rescue followed timely tips from the NURTW. Energy & Governance: Niger State auditors flagged overspending on SSG office furniture—N3.7bn spent versus N320m approved—raising compliance and financial management concerns. Food Systems: Rwanda hosts the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, aiming to turn food-system commitments into investment, jobs and resilience.

Road Works in Niger: The Federal Government says work on the Bida–Lapai–Lambata road in Niger State will resume soon, with Minister David Umahi directing completion to ease commuter risk and insecurity on the corridor. Public Finance Watch: Niger State spent N3.7bn on SSG office furniture—over 11 times the N320m approved—raising fresh questions on budget discipline. Energy & Grid Planning: Nigeria’s NISO urged NESI stakeholders to tighten operational discipline and long-term planning to improve grid stability amid frequency and voltage challenges. Anti-Corruption & Property Management: EFCC arraigned Maryam Shehu and Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad over alleged cybercrime and malicious information, while Tinubu met EFCC and housing officials on managing seized properties. Trade & Logistics: Ghana’s Tema Port closed 2025 as West Africa’s top container gateway, edging past Lomé and widening its lead over Abidjan. SME Data: A private index ranked Morocco 34th for SME potential, but warned the figures are rough estimates—Niger placed last. Humanitarian & Migration: Kano receives returned migrants almost weekly, with stakeholders warning of trafficking and forced labour risks. Education Funding: TETFund approved N2.53bn for each public university under its 2026 intervention programme.

Power Theft Crackdown: Niger State Police arrested a suspect network over alleged theft of two 1,000 KVA transformers from Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, recovering the items after a stop-and-search on the Abuja–Kaduna expressway and Maje–Dikko road. Public Finance & Governance: Niger State spent N3.7bn on SSG office furniture and fittings—far above the N320m approved allocation—raising fresh questions on budget compliance and financial controls. Education Funding: TETFund approved about N2.53bn for each public university, N1.87bn for polytechnics and N2.06bn for colleges of education under its 2026 intervention programme. Cross-Border Trade: NOPPMAN lifted its suspension on onion exports from Nigeria to Ghana, citing renewed engagements and steps toward a more sustainable framework for cross-border consignments. Infrastructure Push: Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council approved about ₦438bn for road projects and trailer park concessions nationwide, including major border-road and East-West corridor works. Security & Minerals: The Nigerian Army arrested 18 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, recovering equipment and cash, then handed them to NSCDC Mining Marshals. Business & Trade Links: Türkiye reported a 12.6% rise in exports to Africa to $13.3bn in seven months, with Niger among the growing destinations.