AGP Executive Report

Coastal erosion in West Africa: A Harvard study warns some Gulf of Guinea coastlines are eroding up to 30 feet per year, and “hard” sea barriers may protect one spot while worsening the next—pushing governments to rethink coastal protection. Clean cooking in Porto-Novo: Gbobètô in Benin is turning waste into eco-charcoal briquettes from palm nut shells, cassava starch and rice husks, cutting smoke while feeding a circular economy. Mangrove recovery: New global satellite findings suggest mangrove losses are slowing and gains rising, though pollution and biodiversity loss still threaten restoration. Water hyacinth problem turned into opportunity: Nigeria’s invasive water hyacinth is choking waterways and harming ecosystems, but efforts are underway to convert it into useful products. Health & environment link: Oyo State flags Lassa fever risk and urges hygiene and rat control, warning healthcare workers to treat every patient as potentially infectious. Food safety & pesticides: A regional study ranks Nigeria second in West Africa for acute pesticide poisoning among farmers, alongside concerns about pesticide residues in common foods. Benin-UAE security ties: Benin and the UAE are deepening defense cooperation with plans for training and support to modernize Benin’s security capacity.

Coastal Erosion Watch: A Harvard-led investigation warns that parts of West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea coast are eroding fast—up to 30 feet a year—pushing governments to rethink “hard” sea barriers that may protect one community while worsening erosion elsewhere. Clean Cooking & Circular Economy: In Porto-Novo, Benin, Gbobètô is turning palm nut shells and farm leftovers into eco-charcoal briquettes, cutting waste and easing pressure on wood charcoal supplies. Mangrove Recovery: New global satellite findings suggest mangrove losses are slowing and gains are rising, though pollution and biodiversity loss remain major threats. Power Sector Pressure: Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies face possible sanctions over about ₦1.5tn in unpaid obligations after NISO rejected some DisCos’ repayment plans. Road Safety Crisis: Nigeria’s Benin-Asaba highway repair scramble continues after years of neglect and ongoing gridlock, with the government ordering redesigns for more durable pavement. Pesticide Poisoning Risk: A regional study ranks Nigeria second in West Africa for acute pesticide poisoning among farmers, with residues also persisting in commonly eaten foods. Oil Pollution Alarm: A report unveiled in Benin City cites 18,149 oil spill incidents in Nigeria (2006–2024), highlighting worsening impacts on water, farmlands, and health. Climate Adaptation Trees: Sahelian communities in Ghana received 2,500 tree seedlings under a climate adaptation agroforestry project. Wildlife Conservation: Conservationists highlight dangers to migratory raptors in West Africa after an osprey tagged in Scotland was shot in Ghana.

AfDB & Deposit Funds Pact: The African Development Bank and the African Forum of Deposit Funds agreed in Cotonou, Benin to deepen cooperation to mobilise long-term financing for development, including climate-disruption and shock response. Clean Cooking in Porto-Novo: Gbobètô is turning palm nut shells and farm leftovers into eco-charcoal briquettes, cutting pressure on wood charcoal while feeding a circular economy in Benin. Mangrove Recovery Watch: A new Science study using satellite data says global mangrove losses are slowing and gains are rising, though pollution and biodiversity loss remain threats. Coastal Erosion Alarm (West Africa): A Harvard-led investigation warns some Gulf of Guinea coastlines are eroding up to 30 feet a year, and “hard” barriers can shift damage to nearby communities. Raptors on the Move: Conservationists highlight risks to migratory birds and raptors across West Africa, calling for better tracking and cross-border protection. Vultures Under Threat: Nigeria’s conservation group warns vulture numbers are collapsing from illegal killing and trade, with Nigeria and Benin flagged as key cross-border hubs. Lassa Risk & Hygiene: Oyo State urged health workers to treat every patient as potentially infectious, linking ongoing risk partly to poor environmental hygiene and multimammate rats.

Coastal Erosion Warning: A Harvard-led study says parts of West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea are losing up to 30 feet of land per year, and “hard engineering” like groynes may protect one area while worsening erosion elsewhere—raising urgent questions for climate adaptation planning. Agroforestry for Climate Resilience: Ghana’s CSIR-SARI distributed 2,500 tree seedlings (mango, cashew, moringa) to 14 communities under a Sahelian Landscapes project to restore degraded lands and boost food security. Roads, Pollution Risk, and Accountability: ANEEJ is pushing for an independent probe and recovery of about ₦14bn allegedly paid for the Benin-Asaba road corridor after claims that only ~40% of work was done—an issue that matters for environmental and public safety outcomes. Vulture Conservation Alarm: Nigeria’s conservation group warns vulture numbers have crashed (about 95% decline) due to illegal killing and trade, with Nigeria and Benin flagged as key cross-border hubs. Power Sector Pressure: Nigeria’s grid operator threatens sanctions as electricity DisCos face unresolved market debts, a reminder that energy instability can worsen environmental and service pressures.

Coastal Erosion Watch: A Harvard study warns parts of West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea are losing up to 30 feet of land per year, and that “hard” sea barriers can end up protecting one community while accelerating erosion elsewhere. Climate Adaptation on the Ground: CSIR-SARI (Ghana) distributed 2,500 tree seedlings to 14 communities to support agroforestry and restore degraded farms as a climate-smart response. Wildlife & Biodiversity: A young wildlife tracker from Benin-linked bird-tagging work is sharing her conservation story in Miami, while raptor and vulture conservation alarms highlight hunting and illegal trade pressures across West Africa. Accountability for Infrastructure: ANEEJ is demanding an independent probe and refund of about ₦14bn allegedly paid for an 11km Benin-Asaba road stretch, after claims only ~40% work was done. Power Sector Pressure: Nigeria’s electricity market regulator is threatening sanctions as DisCos face unresolved debt obligations. Urban Environment & Livelihoods: Coverage on Africa’s informal economy shows how street work keeps cities running even as authorities struggle to manage it.

Coastal Climate Risk: A new report on West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea shows how storms and shifting shorelines are swallowing homes and jobs, with ports, dams and coastal construction disrupting natural sand balance and climate change making erosion faster. Wildlife Protection: Conservationists warn that migratory raptors face lethal threats across West Africa, after a tagged osprey shot in Ghana highlighted the need for tracking and cooperation across the full flyway. Oil Pollution Accountability: Nigeria recorded 18,149 oil spill incidents from 2006–2024, with community health and livelihoods still bearing the brunt—an issue spotlighted at a Benin-hosted environment forum. Vulture Crisis & Cross-Border Trade: The Nigerian Conservation Foundation calls for urgent action as illegal killing and trafficking push vultures toward extinction, naming Nigeria and Benin as key hubs in the regional trade network. Road Contract Transparency: ANEEJ demands an independent probe and refund of about ₦14bn allegedly paid for an 11km Benin-Asaba expressway stretch, citing poor work quality and asking for full contract and payment records. Power Sector Debt Pressure: Nigeria’s electricity DisCos face sanctions threats over outstanding market obligations after repayment proposals were rejected, deepening a wider energy-sector financial strain.

Vulture Crisis & Wildlife Trade: Nigeria’s conservation groups marked International Vulture Awareness Day by warning that illegal killing and trade in vulture parts are pushing several species toward extinction, with Nigeria and Benin flagged as key cross-border hubs. Road Accountability (Benin-Asaba-Onitsha): ANEEJ is demanding an independent probe and refund of about ₦14bn allegedly paid for an 11km stretch of the Benin-Asaba expressway, after the Works Minister said only around 40% of work was completed—calling for full contract disclosure and an audit of payments and certificates. Electricity Market Payments: Nigeria’s grid operator ordered electricity Discos to start settling outstanding market obligations, threatening sanctions after noting the federal government already netted off about 97% of older debts. Food Security & Climate Resilience: Plant breeders urged more investment in agricultural research and plant breeding to tackle climate stress, pests, and declining soil productivity. Health Regulation: Edo’s health regulator shut Jess Royal Hospital in Benin City for operating over 10 years without statutory registration, citing infection-control and facility deficiencies.

Wildlife Protection: The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is urging urgent action to stop illegal killing and trade in vulture parts after warning that Nigeria’s vulture numbers have crashed, with four species listed as Critically Endangered and the hooded vulture down about 95% since the early 2000s; NCF says Nigeria and Benin are key cross-border hubs and calls for stronger enforcement, market monitoring, and “vulture safe zones.” Public Accountability: ANEEJ demands the Federal Government recover over ₦14bn allegedly paid for the Benin-Asaba road corridor, questioning contract work that the Works Minister says is only about 40% complete and pushing for full contract and payment records. Health & Regulation: Edo State’s health regulator, EDOHERMA, shut Jess Royal Hospital in Benin City for operating over 10 years without statutory registration, citing poor infection prevention and other facility deficiencies. Food Security & Climate Resilience: Nigeria’s plant breeders association calls for more investment in agricultural research and plant breeding to boost yields and resilience amid climate stress, pests, and declining soil productivity. Cross-border Trade Pressure: A report highlights West Africa’s food security push driving cross-border agribusiness value-chain deals, including a planned Nigeria–Benin integrated platform spanning farming to distribution.

Road Accountability: ANEEJ is demanding the refund of over ₦14bn allegedly paid to Hartland Nigeria Limited for the Benin–Asaba road corridor, after the Works Minister said only about 40% of the work was completed—ANEEJ wants the full contract, variations and payment records published. Food Security & Climate Resilience: Nigeria’s plant breeders are calling for more investment in agricultural research and innovations to boost yields and resilience against climate change, pests, diseases and declining soil productivity. Wildlife Protection: The Nigerian Conservation Foundation warns that illegal killing and trade in vulture parts are pushing vultures toward extinction, urging urgent enforcement and market monitoring; it flags Nigeria and Benin as key cross-border trading hubs. Health Regulation: Edo State’s healthcare regulator shut Jess Royal Hospital in Benin City for operating over 10 years without statutory registration, citing serious infection prevention and facility deficiencies. Regional Food Investment: A cross-border agribusiness push is highlighted, including a planned Nigeria–Benin integrated platform spanning oil palm, rice and food manufacturing. Tax Capacity in Benin: WATAF and the IMF’s TADAT ran a Francophone training and certification session in Cotonou to strengthen tax administration performance across West Africa.

Wildlife Protection: The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) marked International Vulture Awareness Day by warning that illegal killing, poisoning and trafficking of vulture parts are pushing Nigeria’s vultures toward extinction, noting four species are Critically Endangered and that Nigeria and Benin are key hubs for cross-border trade under the West African Vulture Conservation Action Plan (WAVCAP). Healthcare Regulation: Edo State’s health regulator, EDOHERMA, ordered the immediate closure of Jess Royal Hospital in Benin City after finding it operated for over 10 years without statutory registration, citing poor infection prevention and deteriorated facilities. Security & Environment Links: NDLEA warned that Mexican-linked criminal networks are trying to set up industrial-scale methamphetamine labs in forested areas of Ogun and Oyo states, showing how illicit production can threaten ecosystems and local communities. Food Security & Climate Resilience: Nigeria’s plant breeders urged more investment in agricultural research and plant breeding to boost yields and resilience against climate stress, pests and declining soil productivity. Tax Administration Capacity: WATAF and IMF’s TADAT trained and certified Francophone tax officials in Cotonou, strengthening revenue systems that can support environmental and development spending.

Food Security & Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Nigeria’s Plant Breeders Association is urging bigger investment in agricultural research and plant breeding to boost yields and resilience as climate change, pests, and declining soil productivity threaten food security. Public Health & Regulation: Edo State shut Jess Royal Hospital in Benin City for operating over 10 years without statutory registration, citing poor infection prevention and control and other facility deficiencies. Biodiversity Under Threat (Vultures): The Nigerian Conservation Foundation warns that illegal killing, poisoning, and trafficking are driving Nigeria’s vulture populations toward extinction, with four species listed as Critically Endangered and Nigeria flagged as a key regional trade hub. Capacity Building for Governance: WATAF and the IMF’s TADAT Secretariat ran a Francophone tax administration training in Cotonou, bringing together hundreds of tax officials to strengthen compliance and revenue systems. Energy & Environment (Power Sector): Nigeria’s House committee on power pressed seven indebted electricity distribution companies—including BEDC—to clear market debts, arguing liquidity is vital for a more sustainable power sector. Wildlife Tech for Conservation: A protected-area technicians training in Africa highlighted how drones and monitoring tools are being used to improve anti-poaching efforts and protect biodiversity. Education & Inclusion (Benin): Benin approved a 30 billion FCFA package for the 2026–2027 school year, expanding school feeding and upgrading learning environments.

Vulture Crisis in West Africa: The Nigerian Conservation Foundation warns that illegal killing, poisoning and trafficking of vultures are driving steep declines, with four of Nigeria’s seven species listed as Critically Endangered and the hooded vulture down about 95% since the early 2000s; it says Nigeria is a major transit hub for vulture parts across West Africa and calls for urgent coordinated action. Benin Health Regulation: Edo State authorities shut Jess Royal Hospital in Benin after finding it operated for over 10 years without statutory registration, citing poor infection prevention and deficiencies found during inspections. Wildlife Tech for Conservation: A training programme for protected area technicians in Africa—using drones and monitoring tools—highlights how technology is being deployed to strengthen anti-poaching and protect biodiversity. Power Sector Pressure: Nigeria’s House of Representatives committee urges seven indebted electricity DisCos, including Benin Electricity Distribution Company, to clear outstanding market debts to protect grid liquidity and sustainability. Education Reform in Benin: Benin’s government approved a 30 billion FCFA package for the 2026-2027 school year, expanding school feeding and upgrading learning environments. Tax Capacity Building in Cotonou: WATAF and the IMF’s TADAT programme run a Francophone training and certification session in Cotonou, bringing together hundreds of tax officials to improve compliance and revenue collection.

Wildlife Protection: The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is urging urgent action to stop the decline of Nigeria’s vultures, warning that illegal killing, poisoning, and trafficking of vulture parts could push several species toward extinction. It says four of Nigeria’s seven vulture species are Critically Endangered, including a reported 95% drop in hooded vultures since the early 2000s, and notes Nigeria as a major transit hub for West African trade. Regional Conservation Policy: Experts say the West African Vulture Conservation Action Plan (WAVCAP) is struggling to take off, citing weak coordination, limited funding, and low priority—while calling for a November coordination meeting to prevent local collapse, including in Benin. Tax Administration Capacity: WATAF and the IMF’s TADAT Secretariat held a Francophone training and certification session in Cotonou to strengthen tax compliance and revenue collection across West Africa. Education & Inclusion (Benin): Benin approved a 30 billion FCFA package for the 2026–2027 school year, expanding school feeding, improving access in border areas, and upgrading classrooms and TVET for girls. Power Sector & Environment Link: Nigeria’s House Committee on Power urged indebted DisCos—including BEDC—to clear outstanding market debts, warning that liquidity problems can worsen service reliability and undermine broader development goals. Media & Sustainability: MTN, the University of Johannesburg, and TAEF launched a Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, with a Benin cohort among 42 journalists focused on resilient journalism in a digital and AI-driven environment.

Benin Education Reform: Benin approved a 30 billion FCFA package for the 2026-2027 school year, expanding school feeding to nearly 1.9 million pupils and upgrading learning spaces from primary to university levels, with added support for border regions and gender-focused measures in TVET and secondary education. Tax Administration Capacity: In Cotonou, the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) and IMF’s TADAT trained and certified tax officials from Francophone member states, reaching hundreds of officers to boost compliance, revenue collection, and transparency. Media & Digital Skills: MTN, the University of Johannesburg and the African Editors’ Forum launched a six-week Pan-African Media Innovation Programme in which Benin is among 10 participating countries, training 42 journalists to strengthen resilient newsrooms in a fast-changing digital era. Wildlife Conservation Pressure: Experts warn West Africa’s vulture recovery plan is stalling, citing poisoning, persecution, and habitat loss, with calls for urgent coordination to prevent local collapse in countries including Benin. Environmental Justice Call: Nigeria’s EDEN urged a national coalition to halt accelerating environmental degradation, unveiling its state-of-the-environment report and honoring key environmental defenders—an advocacy push with clear regional relevance for Benin’s environmental agenda.

Tax Reform in Cotonou: WATAF and the IMF’s TADAT Secretariat ran a Francophone TADAT training and certification in Cotonou, bringing together Benin and other West African tax administrations to strengthen compliance and revenue collection. Power Sector Pressure: Nigeria’s House Committee on Power urged seven indebted DisCos—including Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC)—to clear outstanding market debts, warning that unpaid obligations threaten liquidity and the sector’s sustainability. Illegal Mining Crackdown: NSCDC arrested 19 suspected illegal gold miners in Edo’s forest areas, seizing links to operators and highlighting continued pressure on natural resources. Drug Trafficking Alarm: NDLEA says Mexican-linked cartels are trying to set up methamphetamine production in forested parts of Ogun and Oyo, moving beyond seizures to dismantle networks at their bases. Media Capacity for Benin: MTN, UJ and TAEF launched a Pan-African Media Innovation Programme; Benin is among the participating countries in the first cohort of 42 journalists. Education Investment in Benin: Benin approved a 30 billion FCFA package for the 2026-2027 school year, expanding school feeding and upgrading learning environments. Conservation Tech Training: A drone-and-thermal tech training for protected area technicians included participants from Benin, aiming to improve wildlife protection and reduce poaching.

Electricity & Debt Pressure: Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Power has urged seven indebted DisCos—including Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC)—to urgently clear outstanding market obligations, warning that unpaid debts threaten liquidity and the long-term sustainability of the power sector. Wildlife & Biodiversity: West Africa’s vulture conservation plan is struggling to take off, as experts cite poisoning, persecution, habitat loss, and weak coordination—raising fears for species including in Benin. Education & Social Equity (Benin): Benin approved a 30 billion FCFA package for the 2026-2027 school year, expanding school feeding, improving access and inclusion, and upgrading learning environments. Media & Climate-Tech Capacity (Benin): MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort, including journalists from Benin, to strengthen resilient newsrooms in a fast-changing digital and AI era. Illegal Mining Crackdown (Edo): Nigeria’s NSCDC arrested 19 suspected illegal gold miners in Edo State, seizing activity linked to forest-based operations. Conservation Tech Training: A drone-and-thermal-tech training push for protected area technicians is expanding across Africa, with participants from Benin among the trainees.