AGP Executive Report

Niger Energy Update: Niger’s Niamey is set to see relief after the launch of the Niger–Algeria solidarity power plant, built and fully financed by Algeria in 70 days to supply up to 200MW for the capital’s biggest demand. Sahel Humanitarian Warning: The UN says the Sahel is sliding toward collapse as violence, climate shocks and hunger drive mass displacement and deepen funding gaps. Regional Security Debate: Nigeria’s House of Representatives is pushing for a comprehensive, aggressive security strategy to end banditry and daily school kidnappings, while also warning service chiefs to resign if insecurity isn’t reversed. Lake Chad Fight: Analysts say the MNJTF must adapt tactics and technology to better counter Boko Haram and ISWAP hiding in Lake Chad’s islands and forests. Cross-border Energy Race: Algeria has broken ground on its Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline section, reviving plans to move Nigerian gas through Niger to Europe. Labour Migration Shock: Kuwait restricts domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and bans 27 others, including Niger, raising new pressure on Nigerien job seekers.

Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: Algeria has started work on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, with SONATRACH breaking ground on the route linking Niger to Hassi R’Mel, aiming to move 20–30 billion cubic metres of gas annually to European markets. Niger-Türkiye ties: President Abdourahamane Tchiani’s Ankara visit produced new cooperation deals across education, health, diplomacy and security, with Erdoğan framing the partnership as “equal” and “win-win.” Power supply in Niamey: Niger launched a Niger–Algeria solidarity power plant built in 70 days to ease daily electricity cuts, targeting around 200MW demand in the capital. Malnutrition support: Niger State secured a US-backed UNICEF/UN programme to prevent malnutrition in over 36,000 women and children across 13 local areas, with plans to expand. Security and schools: Nigeria’s teachers’ union warns that insecurity is increasingly threatening education, citing attacks and abductions linked to Niger and other states. Kuwait labour rules: Kuwait approved domestic worker recruitment from 10 countries while banning 27 others, including Niger, tightening oversight.

Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: Algeria’s SONATRACH has broken ground on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, linking the Niger border to Aoulef and onward to Hassi R’Mel, with the full project expected to move about 20–30 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Nigeria through Niger to Europe. Nutrition Funding: Niger State secured a US grant, via UNICEF, to prevent malnutrition among 36,000 women and children across 13 local government areas, with plans to scale to all 25 LGAs by 2027. Insecurity & State Police Debate: Nigeria’s political class is renewing calls for state police as kidnappings and school abductions spread across northern states, while President Tinubu vows not to let violent extremists define Nigeria’s identity and urges citizens to share useful information with security forces. School Abductions Spotlight: A fresh report highlights how the world’s attention has focused more on some school kidnappings than others, even as children are repeatedly taken in places like Borno’s Askira-Uba. PDP Court Fight: The PDP Board of Trustees, led by Adolphus Wabara, has sued INEC seeking recognition of its interim NWC, adding to the party’s leadership turmoil.

Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: Algeria’s SONATRACH has broken ground on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a joint venture involving Nigeria’s NNPC and Niger’s SONIDEP, aiming to move 20–30 billion cubic metres of gas annually from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria’s Hassi R’Mel for onward export to Europe. Humanitarian Crisis: The International Rescue Committee warns that the Iran war and other conflicts are accelerating displacement, food insecurity and aid disruption, with shocks linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Security & Governance: Nigeria’s PDP leadership fight escalated as Wabara’s BoT filed a case against INEC over recognition of its interim NWC, after court rulings reshuffled party factions. Sahel Instability: A UN warning says weapons looted from Libya’s 2011 conflict are still circulating across the Sahel and fueling extremist violence, including in Nigeria. Eid Tragedy in Niger: Nearly 50 people died of dehydration after a truck broke down in Niger’s Sahara while returning from Mali for Eid al-Adha. Climate-Energy Risk: A new study flags rising synchronization risk in Africa’s solar power pools under climate change, threatening regional power reliability.

Sahel Security & Arms Flow: The UN warns that weapons looted during Libya’s 2011 conflict are still circulating across the Sahel, fueling extremist violence in Nigeria and beyond. Niger Tragedy in the Desert: Nearly 50 Nigeriens died after a truck broke down in the Sahara while returning from Eid al-Adha; survivors walked for help as rescuers found bodies near the stranded vehicle. Regional Humanitarian Reach: Qatar Red Crescent Society says its Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries, including Niger, with meat distribution and support for displaced and vulnerable families. Political Court Fight (Nigeria, with Niger links): PDP BoT figures led by Adolphus Wabara filed suit against INEC seeking recognition of the party’s interim NWC—an ongoing leadership dispute with court deadlines and record updates at stake. Safe Schools Pressure: Experts call for urgent reforms after reports of over 2,000 kidnappings of students and teachers since Nigeria’s Safe Schools initiative began. Sahel Geopolitics: A new analysis argues the Sahel has shifted from a French-led counterinsurgency model to a wider geopolitical contest, with Russia gaining space after France’s drawdown.

Sahel Tragedy: Nearly 50 Nigeriens died of thirst after a truck carrying about 100 people broke down in the Sahara while returning from Mali for Eid al-Adha; two survivors walked long distances to alert authorities near Assamaka. Regional Security & Governance: Peter Obi again attacked Nigeria’s “reactive” security approach after reports of approving 1,000 forest guards for Oyo, arguing insecurity needs a national framework, not ad hoc state-by-state moves. Humanitarian Reach: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha campaign hit 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including Niger, delivering sacrificial meat with local partners. Drugs & Enforcement: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it seized illicit drugs hidden in water purifier machines shipped from Europe and also recovered large quantities of skunk in Niger State. Infrastructure & Tech: Nigeria plans CCTV coverage along the Mararaba–Keffi Road to boost highway security and emergency response. Energy Deal: Algeria has started work on the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline section linking Nigeria, Niger and Algeria, targeting up to 30 billion cubic meters annually for Europe.

Sahara Tragedy in Niger: Nearly 50 Nigeriens died of thirst after a truck broke down in a remote Sahara stretch near the Mali–Algeria–Niger borders while returning from Eid al-Adha, with survivors walking dozens of kilometres to raise the alarm. Water and Survival: An OpEd argues that centuries of controlling water no longer works as climate shifts disrupt water cycles, leaving people and ecosystems more vulnerable. Security Debate in Nigeria (with Niger links): Peter Obi renewed criticism of Nigeria’s insecurity response, saying Tinubu’s reported approval to recruit 1,000 forest guards for Oyo shows a reactive, piecemeal approach—not a coordinated national plan. Regional Energy Push: Algeria has started work on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a project meant to move gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria for European markets. Humanitarian Update: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including Niger. Road Safety Tech: Nigeria plans CCTV along the Mararaba–Keffi Road to strengthen highway security and monitoring.

Tragedy in the Sahel: Nearly 50 Nigeriens died of thirst after a truck carrying about 100 travelers broke down in the Sahara near the Mali–Algeria–Niger border, with dozens of bodies found around the stranded vehicle; only two survivors reportedly walked for miles to reach Assamaka and alert authorities. Relief Effort: Qatar’s Red Crescent says its Eid al-Adha “MakeTheirEid” campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries including Niger, delivering sacrificial meat via local partners. Regional Energy Push: Algeria has started construction on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a project linking Nigeria through Niger to Algeria for gas exports to Europe, with capacity up to 30 billion cubic metres per year. Security Debate in Nigeria: Peter Obi renewed criticism of Nigeria’s security approach after reports of Tinubu approving 1,000 forest guards for Oyo, arguing it’s reactive and not part of a coordinated national plan. Public Health Watch: Nigeria’s health agency warns of “politicisation of cholera” as it deploys response teams and stresses surveillance, supplies, and risk communication.

Sahara Tragedy: At least 49 Nigeriens died of thirst in northern Niger after their truck broke down in the Sahara while returning from Eid al-Adha celebrations in Mali; only two survived after trekking over 50 km to Assamaka and alerting authorities, with victims later buried in mass graves. Sahel Security: In northeast Nigeria, ISWAP-linked jihadists killed three troops in a raid on a military base, the first attack since the killing of an IS deputy commander, raising fears of renewed pressure on bases. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s President Erdoğan held a grand state ceremony with Niger’s junta leader Abdourahamane Tchiani in Ankara, with talks focused on defense and security cooperation and possible Turkish investment. Energy & Trade: Algeria has started construction on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a project meant to move Nigerian gas through Niger to Algeria for export, with Niger’s next phase expected in 2027. Governance Watch: Niger State’s assembly clarified it did not approve a $14.4m loan request, saying it only received correspondence for a bank guarantee tied to a food security company.

Humanitarian Tragedy in the Sahara: At least 49 Nigeriens died of thirst after a truck broke down in northern Niger, west of Assamaka near the Algeria–Mali border; only two survived after trekking over 50 km to reach water and alert authorities, with victims later buried in mass graves. Sahel Security & Arms Flows: The UN warns that weapons looted from Libya after 2011 are still spreading across the Sahel and being used by terrorist groups in Nigeria and beyond. Defense Ties with Turkey: Niger’s junta chief Abdourahamane Tchiani met Türkiye’s Erdoğan in Ankara, with talks focused on defense and security cooperation, including training and equipment support. Energy Push: Algeria has started construction on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a project linking Nigerian gas through Niger to Algeria for export to Europe. Regional Water Plan: The EU and Germany launched a €11.25m Lake Chad water management initiative to strengthen governance, climate resilience, and stability. Governance Watch (Niger State): Niger’s state assembly in Nigeria clarified it did not approve a $14.4m loan—only a bank guarantee tied to a food security company.

Tragedy in the Sahara: Niger’s Agadez authorities confirm 49 people died of thirst after a truck broke down in a remote desert area west of Assamaka while travelling from Mali for a Muslim festival; two survivors trekked over 50 km to reach water and alert officials, with bodies later buried in mass graves. Energy and services: Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency published a tender for 32 solar systems to power 25 primary health centres and seven public schools across Niger State, Nasarawa and the FCT under an ECOWAS/World Bank off-grid project. Niger-Türkiye security ties: President Abdourahamane Tchiani met Erdoğan in Ankara as Türkiye pledged deeper cooperation against terrorism; Tchiani said Erdoğan told Turkish defense contractors to deliver equipment and arrange payment later. Arms spillover risk: The UN warns that weapons looted in Libya’s 2011 conflict have resurfaced in extremist hands across the Sahel, including Niger and Nigeria. Regional development push: AfDB launched Mission 300’s MapAfrica tracker to monitor electricity access projects, including in Niger. Diplomacy: Algeria has started construction of its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, linking Nigeria through Niger to Algeria’s coast.

Niger-Türkiye Diplomacy: Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tchiani was welcomed in Ankara by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in an official ceremony, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation on security, defense, trade, education and energy, including new agreements and a joint economic commission. Sahel Arms Warning: The UN says weapons looted in Libya’s 2011 conflict have resurfaced with extremist groups in Nigeria and across the Sahel, including Niger, warning that the end of fighting doesn’t stop the circulation of illicit arms. Trans-Saharan Gas Push: Algeria has started construction of its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline after a ministerial steering meeting in Algiers with Nigeria and Niger, aiming to move gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria’s Mediterranean coast for export to Europe. Niger Security Crackdown: In Niamey, authorities have begun razing illegally built homes near the airport, citing jihadist infiltration risks. Nigeria School Insecurity Spillover: Nigeria’s federal government renewed anti-terror efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno, while the Senate demanded urgent action as kidnappings and attacks keep spreading. US Deportations: The US says it will deport 110 Nigerians under its West Africa Operations Watch initiative, alongside other West African nationals.

Niger Security & Capital Crackdown: Bulldozers are tearing down illegally built homes around Niamey airport after authorities said the area was infiltrated by jihadists, as Niger’s military rulers push new anti-strike measures. Sahel Humanitarian Crisis: The UN says about 24 million people across the Sahel need aid as violence spreads, schools and health centres close, and climate shocks worsen hunger in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, northern Cameroon and northeast Nigeria. US–Niger Security Ties Under Scrutiny: The US delivered $2.3m in “non-lethal” equipment to Niger’s armed forces, but rights groups warn it risks enabling abuses without safeguards. Regional Diplomacy: Niger’s junta chief Abdourahamane Tchiani is set to visit Türkiye to expand cooperation. Nigeria School Insecurity Spillover: Nigeria’s Senate and rights groups are again sounding alarms over school kidnappings and attacks, while a false social media claim used old photos from Niger to inflame outrage over Oyo abductions. Electricity & Energy Policy: Niger’s neighbours also move on power—Nigeria’s new solar net-billing rules would let households sell excess power back to the grid. Immigration Crackdown: The US confirmed plans to deport 110 Nigerians, the highest in West Africa.

US-Niger Security Rift: The US delivered $2.3m in “non-lethal” military aid to Niger’s junta in May, despite Human Rights Watch documenting a January drone strike that killed 17 civilians—raising fresh questions about whether counterterror priorities are overriding rights safeguards. Sahel Border Warming: Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni visited Niamey and pledged steps to reopen the Niger-Benin border, with a 15-day expert panel to identify obstacles, while both sides stressed joint action against jihadist threats. Arms Diversion Warning: The UN says weapons looted after Libya’s 2011 conflict have resurfaced across the Sahel, including Niger, and are now in the hands of extremist groups. Nigeria Security Pressure (Regional Spillover): Nigeria’s Senate demanded urgent rescue of abducted Oyo pupils and teachers and warned insecurity is a national emergency, not politics. Education Under Threat: Amnesty International condemned Nigeria’s school abductions in Borno and Oyo, saying the government lacks an effective plan. Deportation Watch: US DHS confirmed 110 Nigerians face deportation as part of a wider West Africa crackdown.

Niger–Benin diplomacy: Benin’s new President Romuald Wadagni made Niger his first foreign stop since taking office, pledging to remove obstacles to cooperation and to reopen the border after Niamey accused Cotonou of hosting “French bases.” A joint expert committee is set to report within 15 days, with security and counterterrorism high on the agenda. Niger security and regional spillover: The UN says weapons looted in Libya’s 2011 conflict have resurfaced across the Sahel, including Niger and Nigeria, now in the hands of extremist groups. Niger education and insecurity: In Nigeria, insecurity is disrupting schooling for over 52m pupils and students, with school attacks and kidnappings driving closures and fear—an alarm bell for the wider region. Nigeria deportations: The US confirmed deportation of 355 West Africans, including 110 Nigerians and 8 Nigeriens, with names and photos released. Sahel violence: A bus hit a land mine in Mali’s Bamako–Kayes route, killing 8 and injuring 42, amid rising jihadist activity.

Niger–Benin Thaw: Benin’s newly elected President Romuald Wadagni arrived in Niamey on Tuesday for his first official foreign trip since the 2023 coup, signaling easing tensions after Niger kept the border closed and accused Benin of hosting “French bases,” with both sides expected to relaunch security cooperation. Arms & School Kidnapping Probe (Niger State): Nigeria’s DSS says it arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two Nigeriens, linked to the Papiri St. Mary’s Catholic School abduction, recovering 15 AK rifles and 1,434 rounds. Security Operation (Niger State): A vigilante commander, Bature OC, was killed in a five-day joint offensive against terrorists near Kainji Lake, with Nigerian and Beninese forces operating along border communities. International Deportations: The US confirmed deportation of 355 people from West Africa, including 110 Nigerians and 94 Liberians, releasing names and photos. Sports (Niger): Samba O’Neil has started training with Niger after switching international allegiance, aiming to secure a spot for upcoming friendlies. Regional Conflict Analysis: A study links Sahel violence more to religious divides between Muslim pastoralists and mostly Christian farmers—worsened by drought—than to climate alone. Education Pressure (Nigeria): Teachers in Nigeria protested surging school kidnappings, including the Oyo raids, as unions push for stronger protection of schools.