AGP Executive Report

ECOWAS Cross-Border Push: ECOWAS has intensified cooperation among member states to boost trade, tighten security coordination, and speed up regional integration, with Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission officials taking part in an Abuja meeting on the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Programme—built to tackle border challenges, transboundary crime, and strengthen cohesion in border communities. Visa-Free Mobility in Togo: Togo has removed visa requirements for all African passport holders for short stays up to 30 days, effective 18 May, while still requiring security, immigration, and public health checks plus a pre-arrival travel declaration. Health Workforce Pressure: Nigeria’s new NMA president in Benin City urged better welfare, security, and working conditions to slow doctors’ brain drain. Safety on the Ground: Edo State begins a SafERR schools campaign targeting 95,000+ students, teachers, and parents with emergency response and safety training. Regional Security Watch: Nigeria’s army chief says troops are deployed to Benin Republic to help counter terrorism and cross-border crimes.

Reparatory Justice Pressure: Emmanuel Macron faces rising calls to open formal talks on France’s legacy of slavery as he marks the 25th anniversary of France’s 2001 law recognizing the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity. Border Security & Terror: Nigeria is pushing stronger ECOWAS cross-border cooperation to tackle terrorism and transboundary crime, while warnings persist that armed groups are infiltrating parts of the South West. Reproductive Rights Pushback: An African forum at the ACHPR is spotlighting how restrictive sexual and reproductive health laws, stigma, and weak healthcare systems are endangering women’s lives, with survivors from Kenya, Benin, and Rwanda sharing accounts. Health Workforce Stress: Nigeria’s NMA leadership is calling for better welfare and security for doctors to slow brain drain. Togo Mobility Boost: Togo has removed visa requirements for all African nationals for up to 30 days, with pre-arrival declarations still required. Nigeria School Kidnapping: In Oyo State, gunmen abducted dozens of students and teachers, with one teacher later reported killed. Digital Welfare Talks (Lomé): A regional workshop in Lomé is focused on modernizing social benefit payments through interoperable digital systems.

Terror threat in Nigeria’s South West: Yoruba leader Gani Adams warns terrorists have infiltrated at least 40 local government areas in the region, after attacks on three schools in Oriire, Oyo State, where a teacher was killed and pupils and staff were abducted, including a beheading of a hostage. Sahel security context: A separate report argues the Sahel’s security situation is worsening despite the AES push, with state control shrinking in multiple countries. Connectivity push for Benin and neighbors: The US Trade and Development Agency says it will fund a feasibility study for about 1,500 mobile base stations across Benin, Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to expand coverage for off-grid communities. Togo opens borders for Africans: Togo removed visa requirements for all African passport holders for up to 30 days, with a pre-arrival travel declaration still required. Health sector pressure: Nigeria’s NMA president calls for better welfare and security for doctors to curb brain drain, while Nigeria’s EFCC faces backlash after alleged violence against medical staff at Uyo Teaching Hospital. Water access in Benin Republic: A Kwara-based group completed solar boreholes in communities including Ketupe, Zeoute and Zian Ifangni to improve safe drinking water.

Connectivity Push: The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has lined up a feasibility study to deploy about 1,500 American-made mobile base stations across Benin, Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to bring faster, more reliable service to off-grid and rural communities. Border Mobility: Togo has removed visa requirements for all African passport holders for stays of up to 30 days, effective 18 May, while still requiring immigration, security and public health checks plus a pre-arrival travel declaration. Health Workforce Pressure: Nigeria’s new NMA president, Prof. Afekhide Omoti, is calling for better welfare and security for doctors to slow brain drain. Public Health & Water: A Benin-focused IFAD-GAIN nutrition initiative is set to improve diet quality through nutrition integrated into agriculture, and a separate solar borehole project in Benin Republic targets safer drinking water. Security Spillover: Nigeria reports coordinated school kidnappings in Oyo State and ongoing cross-border counter-terror steps involving Benin.

Visa Openness: Togo has removed visa requirements for all African nationals with valid passports, effective 18 May 2026, allowing stays up to 30 days while still requiring a pre-arrival travel declaration and meeting entry security, immigration and public health rules. Regional Security: In Nigeria’s Oyo State, gunmen abducted 39 students and 7 teachers during school raids, with one teacher later reported killed; authorities say arrests followed. Health & Safety in Focus: In Edo State, security operatives rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested five suspects, with the victim taken to hospital. Policy & Systems: Lomé hosted regional talks on digitalizing social benefit payments, aiming to modernize welfare delivery and improve financial inclusion across West and Central Africa. Ongoing Justice: Nigeria’s court sustained an arrest warrant against former humanitarian minister Sadiya Farouq in a fraud case.

Regional Mobility & Public Health: Togo has announced visa-free entry for all African nationals with valid passports, effective this week, allowing stays of up to 30 days—while still requiring travellers to meet immigration, security and public health rules and complete an online travel declaration 24 hours before arrival. Anti-Kidnapping Response (Edo, Nigeria): Security operatives rescued abducted Jemila Ibrahim and arrested five suspects after bush-combing around Okpege River Road in Jattu, with the victim taken to hospital for care. Anti-Corruption Court Update (Nigeria): Nigeria’s FCT High Court sustained an arrest warrant against former Humanitarian Affairs minister Sadiya Umar Farouq over alleged fraud, keeping the bench warrant in force. Health & Systems: A new push in Edo State backs primary healthcare through NHIA’s National Health Fellows Programme (Cohort One graduation and Cohort Two onboarding), aiming to strengthen grassroots service delivery. Malaria Pressure (Nigeria): A fresh report reiterates that malaria control is still stuck in a “perfect storm” of funding gaps and resistance, with Nigeria carrying the world’s largest malaria burden.

Digital Social Protection: Lomé is hosting a four-day regional workshop on digitalizing social benefit payments, with the World Bank and Togo pushing interoperable systems and wider financial inclusion across 10 West and Central African countries. Security & Justice: Nigeria’s court upheld an arrest warrant against former humanitarian minister Sadiya Farouq, while outrage continues after an Oyo school abduction turned deadly when a teacher was beheaded in a viral video. Regional Military Moves: Nigeria’s army chief confirmed troops are deployed to Benin Republic to fight terrorism and cross-border crime, alongside joint US-Nigeria strikes that reportedly killed 20+ ISIS militants. Health & Water: In Kwara, flooding blocked access to court transport for inmates after the Moro Bridge collapse; in Benin Republic, solar-powered boreholes are being completed to improve safe drinking water. Anti-Corruption Backlash: EFCC reportedly bowed to calls for investigations after alleged attacks on medical workers at Uyo Teaching Hospital. Wildlife Tech: New research says tiny DNA samples could help trace trafficked animals back to their origin.

Regional Security: Nigeria’s army chief says troops have been deployed to Benin to help fight terrorism and transnational crime, stressing intelligence sharing and cross-border cooperation. Flood Disruption: In Kwara, flooding after the Moro Bridge collapse has blocked access roads, leaving the correctional service unable to move inmates to court and stranding commuters. Anti-Corruption Backlash: Nigeria’s EFCC says it will investigate after reports of operatives attacking medical workers at Uyo Teaching Hospital, following public outrage over rights abuses. Primary Healthcare Push (Edo): Edo State and NHIA expand the National Health Fellows programme, onboarding a new cohort to strengthen grassroots care. Drug Safety Alarm: A major report warns that high-strength tapentadol from India is still reaching West Africa and being linked to the “zombie drug” kush—raising urgent public health concerns. Polio Goal: Rotary sets a 2029 target for global polio eradication, but says insecurity and misinformation keep the fight going. Media & Health Recognition: Merck Foundation announces 124 winners across 32 countries for its 2025 media awards, spotlighting diabetes and hypertension reporting.

EFCC vs Hospitals: Nigeria’s EFCC has “bowed” to backlash after alleged operatives attacked medical staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital during an investigation, with calls for reforms after videos showed tear gas and panic. Primary Care Push in Edo: Edo State and NHIA are onboarding new National Health Fellows cohorts to strengthen grassroots healthcare, alongside existing NHIA-backed maternal and emergency programmes. Polio Deadline: Rotary International says it is targeting global polio eradication by 2029, but insists vaccination must continue everywhere until the virus is gone. Drug Safety Warning: Reports highlight a growing West Africa opioid risk as high-strength tapentadol shipments from India continue despite crackdowns, raising fears of “zombie drug” kush. Benin Health & Social Services: ECOWAS is running a May 6–15 field mission in Benin to track progress on school feeding, district hospital services, dams, solar streetlights, and vocational training. Education Discipline: Ambrose Alli University in Edo rusticated 27 medical students for exam misconduct and impersonation.

EFCC vs Hospitals: Nigeria’s EFCC has “bowed” to backlash after alleged rights abuses during a raid on staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where operatives reportedly assaulted workers and arrested four officials tied to an authentication probe—sparking calls for reforms. Regional Stabilisation in Benin: ECOWAS is running a May 6–15 field mission in Benin under IMPACT-ECOWAS, with visits to hospitals, school meal sites, dams, solar streetlights, and vocational centres to track progress on social cohesion. Drug Prevention Push (Edo): NDLEA trained NYSC Drug Free Club members in Benin on anti-drug advocacy, aiming to strengthen youth-led prevention at community level. Polio Deadline: Rotary’s chief says the global push targets polio eradication by 2029, but insecurity and misinformation keep cases alive in a few places. Health System Capacity (Edo): NHIA and Edo State onboard new “health fellows” to boost primary care delivery. Opioid Alarm: Reports warn Indian tapentadol is still reaching West Africa and being linked to the “zombie drug” kush problem. Education Discipline: AAU rusticates 27 medical students over exam misconduct and impersonation.

EFCC Backlash in Healthcare: Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has “bowed” to calls for investigations after EFCC operatives allegedly assaulted medical staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital during an inquiry tied to a medical report authentication—sparking outrage over rights abuse, arrests of hospital personnel, and viral footage of tear gas and shots. Regional Health & Social Cohesion: An ECOWAS mission is in Benin (May 6–15) under IMPACT-ECOWAS, checking school feeding, district hospital services, community engagement models, and rural infrastructure like dams and solar streetlights. Drug Prevention Push: NDLEA Edo trained NYSC Drug Free Club members as anti-drug abuse advocates, aiming to strengthen youth-led prevention at grassroots level. Polio Deadline: Rotary International says it’s targeting global polio eradication by 2029, but insists vaccination must continue until the virus is gone everywhere. Opioid Alarm: A major report warns Indian-made tapentadol is still flooding West Africa and being linked to “zombie drug” kush, despite promises of crackdowns.

EFCC Backlash in Uyo: Nigerians are pushing for reforms after EFCC operatives allegedly assaulted medical staff during a raid at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, with arrests of hospital personnel and viral claims of tear gas and shots fired to disperse workers. Anti-Drug Push in Edo: NDLEA trained NYSC Drug Free Club members as peer advocates to strengthen youth-led drug abuse prevention. ECOWAS in Benin: An ECOWAS mission is in Benin this week to monitor projects under IMPACT-ECOWAS, including school feeding, district hospital support, solar streetlights, and rural infrastructure. Primary care workforce: Edo and NHIA onboarded new cohorts of National Health Fellows to boost grassroots healthcare delivery. Polio target: Rotary’s chief says the global push is aiming to eradicate polio by 2029, but vaccination must continue where insecurity and misinformation persist. Health cost pressure: Reports highlight rising drug prices in Edo driving some residents toward native remedies.

EFCC Backlash in Hospitals: The EFCC has “bowed” after public outcry over alleged rights abuses during a raid at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where staff were reportedly assaulted and arrests followed an investigation tied to a medical report. Drug Safety Alarm: Reports say Indian-made tapentadol is still flooding West Africa, with shipments reaching countries like Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana—fueling an opioid crisis and even being linked to “zombie drug” kush. Primary Care Push in Edo: Edo State and the NHIA are onboarding new National Health Fellows cohorts to strengthen grassroots healthcare and data-driven service delivery. Anti-Drug Training: NDLEA Edo trained NYSC Drug Free Club members as anti-drug advocates to expand youth prevention efforts. Polio Deadline: Rotary International says it is targeting global polio eradication by 2029, while urging continued vaccination where insecurity and misinformation persist.

ECOWAS in Benin: A delegation from the ECOWAS Commission is in-country (May 6–15) under IMPACT-ECOWAS to check progress on school feeding, district hospitals, community engagement models, dams, solar streetlights, and vocational training—aimed at strengthening social cohesion in fragile regions. Edo primary healthcare push: Edo State and NHIA are onboarding new “National Health Fellows” cohorts after Cohort One graduation, with a focus on stronger grassroots primary care and data-driven governance. Polio deadline: Rotary International says it is targeting full global polio eradication by 2029, but insists vaccination must continue everywhere until the virus is gone. Education discipline: Ambrose Alli University rusticated 27 medical students over exam misconduct and impersonation. Health access pressure: Reports highlight rising drug costs in Edo, pushing some residents toward native remedies. Opioid alarm: A wider West Africa report flags Indian tapentadol flooding markets and being linked to “zombie drug” kush—raising urgent regulatory and public health concerns. Edo infrastructure spotlight: Governor Okpebholo highlights ongoing road and erosion-control works as Edo moves toward a “modern city” agenda.

UTME Spotlight: JAMB has named Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin as the 2026 UTME top scorer with 372/400, crediting discipline, topic-by-topic study, past questions, tutorials, and CBT practice. Primary Healthcare Push (Edo): NHIA and Edo State onboarded new National Health Fellows cohorts to strengthen grassroots primary care and data-driven governance. Polio Deadline (Rotary): Rotary International says it’s targeting 2029 for global polio eradication, but insists vaccination must continue everywhere until the virus is gone. Campus Discipline (Edo): Ambrose Alli University rusticated 27 medical students over exam misconduct and impersonation. Drug Safety Alarm (West Africa): A report warns Indian tapentadol shipments are fueling a growing opioid crisis, with pills reportedly sold in roadside pharmacies and linked to “zombie drug” kush. Media-Health Link: Bendel Newspapers Corporation returned to full production and sought partnerships with Edo State Specialist Hospital and EDSIEC.

Opioid shock in West Africa: A new AFP report says Indian firms are still flooding Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana with tapentadol in “normal” blister packs—despite India’s crackdown promises—and some shipments are even labelled “Harmless Medicines,” with officials warning the drug is being added to the “zombie drug” kush. HIV testing gap: A new study highlights that one in three young African women have never tested for HIV, keeping prevention and treatment out of reach. Edo campus violence: Police and authorities continue investigations after a UNIBEN student was shot dead near the main gate, with suspected cult links and multiple injuries reported. Education integrity: Ambrose Alli University rusticates 27 medical students for exam misconduct and impersonation. Health funding milestone: Rotary International says it has spent over $3bn on polio eradication since 1985, targeting full eradication by 2029.