AGP Executive Report

Mining Push: Nigeria’s solid minerals drive is drawing fresh capital, with Minister Dele Alake saying over $2.6bn in mining investments has flowed in two years as reforms shift the economy from oil dependence toward industrial production and better tax/royalty compliance. Courtroom Delay: Former AGF Abubakar Malami’s N8.7bn money laundering trial in Abuja was adjourned to June 23 after his lead counsel failed to appear. Fuel Market Clash: NNPC has opposed Dangote Refinery’s bid to block fuel import licences, warning the move could trigger supply disruptions and fuel price instability. Security Flashpoint (Abuja): The FRSC condemned alleged gunshots fired by a DSS operative during a traffic stop confrontation in Abuja. Migration Update: 1,100 stranded Nigerians returned from Agadez, Niger Republic through Kano, with reintegration processing underway. Public Health Crackdown: NAFDAC destroyed counterfeit and expired products worth over ₦1.8bn in Abuja. Flood Risk: FCT emergency officials urged residents near water channels to relocate after a Mabushi flooding incident. Politics & Primaries: Courts continue to check INEC timelines for 2027 primaries, while parties push for clearer internal screening rules.

Football Exit: Pep Guardiola says exhaustion and the need for “new energy” drove his decision to leave Manchester City after Sunday’s final Premier League game, ending a 10-year trophy haul; he’ll step back from coaching but stay as a City Football Group global ambassador. Security & Crime: Gunmen invaded a Kogi community, abducting a medical worker and his wife, firing shots to block rescue attempts. Courtroom Battle: NNPC accuses Dangote refinery of seeking a fuel monopoly in a fresh court filing, as Dangote challenges fuel import licences. Politics Ahead of 2027: INEC warns Ekiti voters about vote buying, thuggery and fake news before the June 20 poll; ADC hails a court ruling on primaries and electoral timelines, while MURIC congratulates Lagos APC primary winner Hamzat. Consumer Protection: FCCPC seals Ochacho Real Estate and TI’Bilon offices in Abuja over alleged consumer exploitation. Health Regulation: Pharmacy Council shuts 397 medicine outlets in Oyo. Sports Accessibility: FIFA will broadcast sign language for every 2026 World Cup match.

AI & Cybersecurity Push: UNILORIN and Russia’s RUDN University urge Nigeria to adopt a rights-based national AI strategy and treat cybersecurity as a priority, warning that deepfakes, phishing and bias could harm citizens. Courts & Elections: A Federal High Court in Abuja nullified INEC’s shortened timelines for 2027 party primaries and candidate submissions, with INEC deadlines for membership databases also struck out—sparking fresh political uncertainty and a looming APC “exodus” as parties reassess plans. Security & Accountability: A Kwara court ordered the arrest of an NSCDC commandant over an assault case after he failed to appear. Ports Disruption: A Maersk feeder collision in the Bonny Channel has left a vessel aground, blocking movement around Port Harcourt/Onne. Drug Abuse Crackdown: NDLEA launched Clean Beat 91.5FM in Abuja, warning against pop culture that glamorises drug use. Business & Tech: HabariPay’s “Block X” won a Squad hackathon, while Meta and FG rolled out GovGuide Nigeria, an AI chatbot for public services.

Drug Crackdown: NDLEA says it has dismantled a Nigeria-Mexico meth syndicate, shutting an industrial clandestine lab in Ogun and seizing 2.4 tons of meth and chemicals worth about $363m, arresting 10 suspects including three Mexicans. Security & Violence: In Borno, Boko Haram attacks killed 33 fishermen and loggers—27 in Mafa and six in Dikwa—according to local sources. Economy & Energy: A fresh legal fight between Dangote Refinery and fuel import licence holders is being framed as a test of Nigeria’s pump-price stability and supply security as local refining expands. Central Bank & Markets: CBN reforms are credited with lifting FX inflows to $112bn in 2025, while the Monetary Policy Rate remains at 26.5% and investors watch what it means for mutual funds and pensions. Politics & Primaries: PDP’s Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan wins Kogi Central ticket; APC’s Dikko Radda emerges in Katsina; and in Lagos, Desmond Elliot vows to appeal his Surulere primary loss. Sports: AFCON 2027 qualifiers draw puts Nigeria in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and Eguavoen rejects “easy group” talk.

Monetary Policy Watch: Nigeria’s central bank kept its key lending rate at 26.50%, warning that policymakers must stay cautious as inflation pressures linger. AfCFTA Digital Trade: Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria are set to pilot the AfCFTA’s ADAPT digital trade system to speed cross-border data, payments and identity. Markets: The NGX bounced back as banking and cement stocks lifted investors’ wealth by $668.1m. Corporate Signals: First HoldCo shares surged after Otedola bought more stock worth about $31.3m, while Seplat pledged $1bn dividends over the next four to five years. Politics & Primaries: Rivers Governor Fubara withdrew from the APC governorship primary, and the APC chairman called the party’s primaries the most competitive ever. Security & Courts: Former AG Mohammed Adoke warned that over-reliance on courts for election disputes is weakening democracy. Health: FAAN says Nigeria has no confirmed Ebola case, but has tightened airport screening.

Monetary Policy: The CBN kept Nigeria’s key lending rate at 26.5%, with Governor Olayemi Cardoso urging a cautious stance to steady inflation expectations. Opposition Politics: In Abuja, Peter Obi said he’s not distracted by rumours of Jonathan’s 2027 bid, while Atiku Abubakar appeared before the ADC presidential screening committee ahead of its primaries. Anti-Corruption & Courts: The EFCC-linked crackdown continues as Saleh Mamman was arrested after a rare 75-year graft conviction, while a Federal High Court fixed July 15 for arraignment of NBF boss Azania Omo-Agege over alleged fraud. Security: Kano police arrested 149 suspected thugs and recovered arms, as Nigeria-U.S. operations reported the killing of 175 IS fighters. Drugs: NDLEA says it dismantled a Nigeria-Mexico meth syndicate, seizing N480bn worth of meth and arresting suspects. Cost of Living: Food inflation has crossed 20% in multiple states ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, pushing prices higher. Sports: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle named squads for the Unity Cup and friendlies vs Portugal and Poland, with new faces included.

Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria and the United States say joint airstrikes in the northeast have killed 175 Islamic State fighters, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the group’s global second-in-command, with Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters saying checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs and financial networks were destroyed. Anti-Graft Crackdown: EFCC has arrested former Power Minister Saleh Mamman in Kaduna days after his 75-year conviction for N33bn fraud and money laundering. Kidnap/Armed Robbery Bust: Police in Kaduna arrested two suspects linked to kidnapping-for-ransom, recovering an AK-47 and tracing ransom payments of ₦2m and ₦4.5m. Politics & Primaries: NDC screening clears Peter Obi as the party’s sole 2027 presidential aspirant, while APC stakeholders in Kogi Central protest Yahaya Bello’s senatorial primary result. Economy & Markets: CBN opens a N650bn Treasury Bills auction; S&P upgrades Nigeria’s long-term rating to “B” from “B-,” citing improving macro and FX reforms. Security Prep: Kano launches a Violent Crimes Response Unit; Kwara NSCDC intensifies security ahead of Sallah. Culture & Sports: Iwopin Kingdom partners DTML to digitise and globalise the Okosi Festival; PFL Africa Nigeria unveils its Lagos fight card for June 13.

Sports & Diaspora: D’Tigress stars Vera Ojenuwa and Regina Donanu have made history with Nigeria’s first African national-team exhibition against WNBA franchises, as they ramp up for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. Politics: The NDC has set up a 17-member screening committee for 2027 aspirants, with former Ebonyi governor Sam Egwu as chairman, while Peter Obi remains the only presidential form buyer after the party closed sales. Security: Nigeria Police say they rescued 30 Malian nationals and arrested 13 suspects in a trafficking syndicate operating around Abuja and Nasarawa. Economy & Tax: The Nigeria Revenue Service flags VAT and withholding tax remittance leakages in some states and government agencies. Health & Travel: The NCAA orders tighter Ebola surveillance at airports as outbreaks spread in DRC and Uganda. Business & Energy: Jetties and tank farm owners urge FG to cancel fresh petrol import licences, warning against destabilising the downstream sector.

Counterterror Update: US and Nigerian forces carried out fresh airstrikes against ISIS/ISWAP targets in Nigeria’s north-east, with AFRICOM saying no American or Nigerian personnel were harmed, as the campaign continues after the weekend killing of alleged ISIS “second-in-command” Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. Court & Rights: Abuja’s Federal High Court granted activist “Justice Crack” N5m bail in a cybercrime case, while the ECOWAS court ordered Nigeria to decongest prisons within six months and stop prolonged detention of awaiting-trial inmates. Security & Crime: Police in Abuja dismantled a transnational human trafficking syndicate, rescuing 30 foreign nationals and arresting 13 suspects. Politics & Elections: Jonathan and the AGF asked a Federal High Court to dismiss a suit challenging Jonathan’s 2027 eligibility, as APC primaries continue to trigger major upsets. Justice System Pressure: DSS and other security operatives were accused of harassing lawyers and journalists during Justice Crack’s trial, and El-Rufai’s family protested alleged custody moves despite bail. Economy & Governance: Nigeria’s tax authorities rolled out a unified Taxpayer Identification system, while debt servicing fears resurfaced after claims Nigeria will spend $11.6bn on servicing. Infrastructure & Media: The Digital Switch Over project was revived, with a nationwide launch promised for 17 June 2026.

Courtroom Clash: Abuja’s Federal High Court granted bail to cybercrime suspect “Justice Crack” (Chidiebere Justice Mark) on N5m with one surety, as DSS opened its case over a viral video linked to the Nigerian Army—while DSS and other security operatives were earlier accused of harassing lawyers and blocking access during his trial. Terror Fight: In Borno, DHQ says coordinated Nigeria–US air strikes killed more than 20 ISWAP fighters around Metele, following earlier US-Nigeria operations targeting ISIS leadership. Fuel War: Fuel marketers under DAPPMAN rejected Dangote Refinery’s bid to void NMDPRA fuel import licences, arguing the permits are legal tools to protect supply security. Education Pressure: Taraba NUT rejected a waiver of JAMB requirements for colleges of education admissions, warning it could weaken teaching standards. Banking Cyber Deadline: Banks face a June 10 cybersecurity deadline set by the CBN, but smaller institutions are lagging, raising system-wide cyber risk. Security in the North-West: Reuters reports at least 10 killed in a Katsina farming-settlement raid, with homes burned and livestock looted.

Counterterrorism in the Lake Chad Basin: The US and Nigeria have confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s second-in-command, in a joint operation—yet analysts warn the wider fight is far from over as ISWAP and Boko Haram keep reshaping control in the region. Security at home: In Yobe, suspected Islamist militants attacked the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, killing at least 17 police officers and reportedly some soldiers. Kidnapping crisis: The Senate condemned fresh school abductions in Borno and Oyo, renewing calls for state police. Health scare: The WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, while Nigeria’s NCDC says there is no confirmed case locally and is tightening surveillance. Economy & policy: CBN says 63.3% of Nigerians want interest rates cut ahead of the MPC; FX inflows are improving after the CBN cleared over $7bn in FX obligations. Business & industry: NCCIMA lauds Dangote’s Pan-African expansion; FEC approved a Smart National Transport Databank project. Religion: The Sultan of Sokoto declared Monday as Dhul Hijjah 1, with Eid-al-Adha expected Wednesday, May 27.

Hajj Update: NAHCON says Nigeria has airlifted 32,539 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj via 80 outbound flights, with Sunday’s batches departing Maiduguri (Air Peace) and Minna (Flynas) for Madinah. Kidnapping Crisis: In Oyo State, a school principal in captivity, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, pleaded for help after armed men abducted teachers and students from schools in Oriire LGA, following the killing of a teacher. Security Crackdown: NDLEA intercepted 1,989 rounds of military-grade ammunition hidden in garri bags on the Abuja–Kaduna highway, arresting a 35-year-old suspect before handing over the case to another security agency. Terror Toll: Reuters reports at least 17 police officers were killed in Yobe during an attack on a specialised military school training police. Politics Ahead of 2027: The NDC in Nasarawa adopted consensus primaries for all elective positions to avoid internal rifts. Economy/Banking: A report warns CBN’s high Cash Reserve Ratio is draining banks’ earnings and limiting lending.

Counterterrorism: US President Donald Trump and President Bola Tinubu say Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s global second-in-command, has been killed in a joint US-Nigeria operation in the Lake Chad Basin, with Tinubu calling it “effective collaboration” and the mission described as a precision air-land strike. Security fallout: Nigeria’s police confirm 17 officers died in a jihadist attack on a military training facility in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, while reports also say suspected militants abduct dozens of pupils in Borno’s Askira Uba, with parents putting the number missing at about 35–43. Aviation & defence push: Tinubu welcomes Airbus plans for aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria and urges faster delivery of ordered Apache helicopters. Infrastructure & safety: Abuja’s Gudu district records another building collapse—five dead and 10 rescued alive as rescue teams continue. Economy & policy: CBN eases its 2024 cashless PTA/BTA rules by allowing 25% cash-dollar payments from June 1, 2026. Politics: ADC postpones its presidential and governorship aspirant screenings to Monday, citing security concerns in parts of the North.

Counterterror Strike: The US and Nigeria say they have killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global second-in-command, in a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin, with AFRICOM releasing footage and President Trump hailing the mission while Tinubu confirms the “effective collaboration.” School Attacks: In Borno, 42 pupils are reported missing after a school abduction, while in the south police say three gunmen were arrested after a rare raid on two primary schools. Security & Politics: Lagos police received vehicles and protective gear for a new Violent Crime Response Unit; PFN also calls a three-day nationwide fast over insecurity and fears ahead of 2027. Governance & Accountability: FENRAD demands EFCC/ICPC probes into Abia SDGs classroom projects allegedly worth ₦204.2m that reportedly deteriorated within two years. Economy & Policy: OECD pledges support for Tinubu’s reforms in Kigali, as Nigeria’s inflation is reported at 15.69% in April. Sports & Culture: Super Falcons set Senegal friendlies (June 5 and 8), while Abuja’s Gudu district records a deadly three-storey building collapse.

Maritime Momentum: Nigeria’s ports handled 1,092 ocean-going vessels in Q1 2026, with cargo capacity jumping as Gross Registered Tonnage rose 19.5% to 46.75m GRT—an upgrade push backed by a £746m UK Export Finance deal for Lagos port improvements. Power Skills: Egbin Power and FIPL, under Sahara Power Group, launched a 10-month technical academy for 50 graduate engineers, training them on plant operations, maintenance and safety. Security Crackdown: Customs Area 11 in Onne says it hit N258bn revenue from January–April 2026 and seized 17 containers worth over N2bn. Kidnapping Shock: Armed hoodlums raided three schools in Oyo, killing an assistant headmaster and abducting students. Politics & Courts: INEC confirmed all 22 parties submitted membership registers for 2027 primaries, while a court fined a plaintiff N1m over delays in Jonathan’s eligibility suit. Diplomacy: Nigeria began implementing a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans. Health Alert: NAFDAC warned of counterfeit Augmentin 625mg tablets in circulation.

Gender & Inclusion Push: Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) hosted the 4th Gender Impact Investment Summit in Abuja, unveiling an Inclusive Capital Scorecard and a Gender Equity and Social Inclusion baseline to turn pledges into measurable action for women, youth and persons with disabilities. Anti-Corruption Warning: Analyst Dayo Sobowale says corruption has become “an entrenched industry” inside institutions, draining sectors like power and blocking real infrastructure progress. Customs Crackdown: Nigeria Customs in Kano intercepted $461,600 from Dubai arrivals after undeclared cash was found in baggage, handing suspects to EFCC; in Lagos, Tincan seized ₦16.6bn cannabis indica from Canada. Court & Crime: An Abuja court sentenced two security guards to life imprisonment for repeated rape of a six-year-old; another court jailed a female arms courier for transporting 302 AK-47 rounds to bandits. Economy & Debt: Nigeria paid $848.7m World Bank debt service in 2025, with outstanding obligations rising to about $19.8bn.