AGP Executive Report

Artisan Skills Upgrade: ITF begins nationwide SUPA certification exams for 7,795 Nigerian artisans across 27 states, aiming to cut quackery and raise global competitiveness. Power & Industry Support: FG commissions upgraded Ijora and Apapa transmission substations in Lagos, adding 208MW to the national grid to ease delivery constraints. Fuel Market Watch: Dangote Refinery expands free petrol delivery to Kano, Imo, Anambra and Nasarawa (10 states total), with marketers buying at N1,165/litre and getting a 10-day payment window. Macroeconomy: Nigeria’s inflation eases to 15.43% in July as food inflation accelerates to 20.31%, while the naira strengthens to about N1,349–N1,350/$ on improved FX liquidity. Capital Markets: 24 companies control 74.8% of NGX equities value, underscoring market concentration even as equities extend a bearish streak. Cybersecurity: Digital Encode launches DEPAS AI, Nigeria’s first autonomous platform to detect and counter AI-led cyber threats. Trade & Manufacturing: Nigeria-China trade hits $18bn in H1 2026 under China’s zero-tariff policy, boosting exports and imports. Agribusiness: Cassava processors may need buyers for 60%+ of output to unlock financing, as lenders demand stronger commercial readiness. Security & Enforcement: NDLEA launches “Operation Restore Order” in Kano, arresting 80 suspects and recovering illicit substances. Tech for Defence: Terra Industries raises $18m more, taking seed funding to $52m, as it expands drone manufacturing in Ghana and opens a London office. Cocoa Compliance: EU deforestation rules tighten cocoa supply outlook, raising traceability costs for Nigerian farmers and exporters.

Disaster & Built Environment: UNICEM Hospital in Calabar collapsed after heavy rainfall and severe soil erosion, renewing calls for stricter building regulation and geological checks before construction on unstable slopes. Digital Infrastructure: FG unveiled a National Digital Cloud Policy targeting $750m private investment in 24 months to grow local cloud/data centres, jobs, and Nigeria’s digital sovereignty. Housing & Skills: NIOB urged stronger builders’ advocacy to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit, while ITF said it has funded international certification for 7,000 artisans under SUPA. Agribusiness Exports: ITC began a Benue assessment to improve cowpea and sesame exports to Europe by tackling issues like pesticide residues. Energy & Power: FG commissioned upgraded Lagos transmission substations adding 208MW to boost grid capacity for industry. Security & Agriculture: Suspected bandits murdered a farmer in Kogi along the Obajana–Kabba corridor, highlighting risks to rural livelihoods. Economy Watch: Nigeria’s headline inflation eased to 15.43% in July, though food inflation rose to 20.31%. Tech Security: NITDA warned Zoom users about a vulnerability that could let attackers take over accounts, urging updates and MFA. Industrial Finance: BOI will partner NIPSS on the Orange Economy summit, aligning with the $1trn economy push.

Defence Manufacturing Push: DICON-D7G, partnering Eagles International for Defence Systems, says Nigeria will locally build armored vehicles and counter-drone platforms (MRAP-Buffalo, Rhino Guard GXR, APC Moon PT6, BMP-2), targeting 200+ jobs and tech transfer. Capital Markets & Industry Finance: Dangote Sugar Refinery raised N498.57bn in its rights issue (102.6% subscription), funds for backward integration to cut import dependence. FX & Macroeconomy: CBN sold $953.41m in March 2026, its biggest FX intervention since April 2025, as reforms shift activity toward private inflows. Aviation Regulation Tension: NASF demands NCAA DG Chris Najomo’s resignation over regulatory failures tied to the 5% Ticket Sales Charge dispute, urging deeper House probe. Trade & Export Readiness: Stakeholders warn Nigeria could miss China’s $18bn zero-tariff export window unless production, processing and export capacity improve. Sugar Self-Sufficiency Plan: NSDC unveils a $1bn SINOMACH EPC-plus-finance push plus a ₦10bn acceleration fund to boost local sugar output. Ports Charges Accountability: SEREC calls for transparent port charges and accountability for operational delays after freight forwarders raised refund and charge disputes. Youth Innovation Pipeline: NASENI selects 60 young innovators for its FutureMakers virtual hackathon and pitch sessions, with ₦5m grand prize. Energy Competition Watch: Sonatrach begins Jet A1 supply to Niger, potentially intensifying Sahel fuel competition with Dangote. Textile Industry Pressure: NBS data shows textile imports surged to N1.08trn in 2025 and may hit ~N1.4trn by year-end, underscoring local manufacturers’ cost and capacity struggles. Local Education Support: NNPC/Seplat STEP trains 127 teachers and education evaluators in Imo with digital teaching and income skills.

Telecom Rollout: FG targets mid-2027 to connect all riverine communities to telecoms, with 3,700 rural facilities already being installed and Obighoro-Ogheye flagged for October. AI & Media Integrity: CJID’s Dubawa AI is pushing West Africa’s fact-checking forward by training models to spot verifiable claims before they spread. Mining & Safety: Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake says Plateau has 4,000+ abandoned mine pits that can be turned into energy, tourism and fishery projects, after a Kassa pit collapse killed seven and renewed warnings against illegal mining. Extractives Transparency: EITI validation assessors commend NEITI for improved systematic disclosures and real-time publication across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Power & Industry Data: NBS electricity-access figures show South East leads (74.6%) while North East lags (29.5%), reigniting debate on what “access” means for households. Capital Markets: NGX postponed revised equities pricing rules meant to start Aug. 17, saying the framework is delayed, not cancelled. Agribusiness & Jobs: NSDC plans a $1bn pipeline and N10bn acceleration fund to hit sugar self-sufficiency, cutting Nigeria’s $1bn annual import bill. Construction Safety: Kano building collapses killed five and evacuated 500+ in separate incidents, highlighting ongoing site safety gaps. Education & Skills: UBEC reopens a second-chance alternative high school for girls and young mothers in Lagos, combining academics with vocational training.

Fuel & Shipping: Fresh petrol and diesel cargoes have arrived at Lagos and Warri terminals, with depot prices easing as marketers compete, narrowing the gap between Dangote’s retail rate and imported PMS to about ₦2 per litre. Finance & Credit: FCMB has lifted its FastCash instant loan ceiling to ₦500,000, pushing more short-term credit through its mobile app and USSD channel. Capital Markets: NGX will start a revised equities pricing methodology Monday, using tiered minimum traded volumes to influence when published prices move; meanwhile, SEC ordered capital market operators to freeze funds linked to six alleged terror financiers and three bureau de change firms. Industrial Policy: BOI says 80% of large-enterprise lending will target priority sectors like power, manufacturing, agribusiness, pharma and digital infrastructure. Energy Security & Geopolitics: With Strait of Hormuz tensions and attacks on vessels, the region’s fuel supply risk is rising—prompting renewed focus on maritime security and resilience. Governance & Elections: Osun election results put Ademola Adeleke ahead of APC’s Bola Oyebamiji, with Adeleke saying Tinubu called to congratulate him. Pensions: Nigeria’s pension remittances fell 38% to N559.4bn in Q1 2026, even as PenCom reported recoveries from defaulting employers. Tech & Telecom: DStv Stream users in Nigeria and South Africa report live-channel disruptions after a seven-channel cut. Aviation Logistics: NCAA plans RFID baggage tracking to reduce missing and mishandled luggage at airports. Security & Defence Manufacturing: DICON-D7G says it’s moving toward local production of armoured vehicles and anti-drone platforms via a partnership in Cairo.

Industrial Finance & Growth: A new analysis argues Africa’s next deal cycle will be driven by how projects are financed, citing a surge in announced M&A and record equity/debt issuance in H1 2026. Manufacturing & Jobs: NEPZA says the $300m Abuja Industrial Park (250 hectares) could host 170+ factories and create about 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, urging nearby communities to protect the site. Fiscal Federalism: RMAFC says it has completed Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula review and remuneration review for political, public and judicial office holders, with proposals at advanced stages for approval. Energy & Refining: Tinubu tells NUPENG refineries won’t be allowed to waste away, promising evidence-based restructuring to return them to profitable operation. Health Tech Localisation: Nigeria targets technology transfer plus local assembly and servicing of radiotherapy and imaging equipment by 2030 through a China partnership. SME Funding: SMEDAN launches BRYNE, offering ₦250,000 weekly seed grants to 52 winners via training, incubation and mentorship. Water Infrastructure Risk: CAPPA warns Lagos against concessioning parts of public water infrastructure, citing transparency concerns around a China Harbour-led MoU. Connectivity & Industry: Airtel Africa and Starlink launch satellite-to-mobile service commercially in DRC, extending coverage beyond conventional towers. Capital Markets: NGX sentiment weakens as the All-Share Index slips, with market value down sharply after a volatile week. Transport & Logistics: A major transport conference (TTC2026) draws 950+ delegates across 27 countries to rethink transport as a service. Security & Disruption: Troops intercept arms and explosives linked to terrorist logistics in Katsina/Zamfara operations.

Security & Conflict: At least 20 people were killed in fresh clashes between Kambari and Fulani communities in Niger State, with lawmakers calling for heavily armed security to stop militia reprisals linked to jihadist recruitment. Customs & Trade Integrity: Nigeria Customs in Ogun intercepted 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica and other smuggled goods worth N3.57bn, including foreign rice, sugar, PMS, diesel, fertiliser and second-hand clothing—warning smuggling is “economic sabotage” that hurts local industry and food security. Energy & Capital Markets: Dangote Refinery is moving toward a planned $5bn “people’s IPO” for Nigerians after filing with the SEC; CEO David Bird says foreign listing is at least three years away, while modular refiners reject NUPRC crude allocation terms for Q2. Regulation & Fintech: The SEC admitted Blockchain.com into its ARIP sandbox for Nigeria’s digital asset market, while also ordering CMOs to freeze assets tied to designated terrorism financiers. Agriculture & Finance: CBN data shows credit to agriculture rose to N3.86tn in March 2026 as oil and gas lending fell, and China’s zero-tariff push lifted Nigeria exports to China by 80% to $2.3bn in H1. Power Sector: Experts warn power bond issuance may ease liquidity but won’t fix structural issues like non-cost-reflective tariffs and collection inefficiencies. Aviation & Industry Labour: Aviation unions’ picketing of Air Peace drew backlash over safety and remittance disputes, as Ibom Air prepares to take delivery of its third Airbus A220-300. Health & Consumer Safety: NAFDAC says Deleject disposable needles are safe after investigation, citing possible mishandling during transport rather than manufacturing defects. Diaspora & Investment: Tinubu urged Nigerians abroad to invest productively at home—beyond remittances—across agro-processing, tech, energy, logistics, mining and export manufacturing.

Energy & Infrastructure Finance: Nigeria’s Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) is expanding global cooperation to close a reported $20bn gas infrastructure gap, backing about 200 projects and pushing new commissioning plans. Oil & Refining Policy: NUPRC is consulting on a domestic crude and gas swap to cut supply costs and improve feedstock availability for local refineries, citing 53.7m barrels supplied to refiners in Q2. Trade & Exports: Nigeria-China trade hit $18bn in H1 after China’s zero-tariff policy; stakeholders warn Nigeria must fix production and processing capacity to turn the new access into sustained export earnings. Aquaculture Forex Push: Power Minister Tegbe urges swift implementation of the Nigeria-China aquatic products protocol, which grants zero-tariff access to China’s 1.4bn consumers. Labour & Pay: FG inaugurated the new NSIWC board, tasking it with fair wages, productivity and industrial harmony. Human Capital & Skills: NLNG and NCDMB broke ground for a research and innovation centre at Rivers State University to strengthen engineering capacity. Youth Development Funding: Plan International calls for better budget allocation for youth software, education and digital skills. Food Systems & Jobs: FG, FAO, ECOWAS and EU seek investment to close Nigeria’s 2.2m tonne fish supply gap. Insurance Recapitalisation: Universal Insurance secured a N7.128bn capital deal to meet NAICOM minimum requirements. Water Safety Campaign: FG and Nestlé launch a nationwide campaign to tackle unsafe drinking water through community education. Security & Displacement: IOM says 74% of IDP locations in Northwest Nigeria lack adequate shelter, with sanitation also largely inadequate.

Refining & Energy Policy: President Tinubu pledged to revive Nigeria’s moribund refineries, saying the government will do a “reset and structural reworking” so facilities return to profitable operation, while NNPC welcomed deep offshore tax incentives expected to unlock over $50bn and lift output toward 3mbpd by 2030. Oil Market & FX: The naira strengthened to about ₦1,357.65/$ as corporate dollar demand eased, even as oil-price uncertainty lingered; Dangote’s refinery also signalled a retail-focused Nigeria IPO with no foreign listing for at least three years. Agribusiness & Exports: FG rolled out renewed hope agricultural seeds to cushion delayed rainfall impacts, while NAQS signed a Nigeria–China aquatic products protocol for zero-tariff access to China’s 1.4bn market; ex-IGP Adamu empowered 2,800 Nasarawa farmers with fertilisers and farm tools. Trade, Industry & Regulation: Nigeria Customs said its digital VIN-valuation system is tightening clearance and reducing revenue leakage amid public scrutiny; NAFDAC and Ogun police launched a crackdown on sachet and small PET alcohol. Capital Markets: NGX fell 0.39% as investors stayed cautious, wiping about ₦613bn in market value. Skills & Jobs: Schneider Electric launched an “Advancing Energy Tech” mentorship across Nigeria and the region, and YABATECH graduated over 50 trainees from TETFund skills programmes. Security: Troops rescued nine kidnap victims in Niger State and arrested 20 suspects in Plateau, repelling attacks linked to Lakurawa in Kebbi.

Refinery Revival & CNG Push: President Tinubu told NUPENG the four moribund government refineries will return to work, stressing profitability and promising to publish how fuel-subsidy savings are used; he also urged transport operators to pass CNG benefits to commuters. Oil Transparency Row: Nigeria’s Finance Ministry accused NNPCL of withholding records needed to answer NEITI’s 2021–2023 audit queries, including a $3bn pre-export financing loan and $722.6m NLNG dividends/interest. Deep Offshore Incentives: NNPC welcomed FG’s Deep Offshore Oil & Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order, saying it could unlock $50bn+ for greenfield deepwater projects. Aviation Labour Reset: Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo convened an emergency meeting after union action; airlines must agree repayment schedules for Ticket Sales Charges within a week, and NCAA will ensure unions can access workers to distribute forms. Agriculture Skills Upgrade: Education Minister Maruf Alausa backed revised agricultural curricula for polytechnics/colleges, shifting to 80% practical training to boost youth employability. Trade & Logistics: Nigeria-China aquatic protocol progress was urged to boost exports and FX earnings; meanwhile, Ogun Customs said it seized N3.57bn drugs/goods and handed 6,035 cannabis parcels to NDLEA. Security & Infrastructure: NGSA said an Aug 4 FCT tremor caused no structural damage; CISF’s Shruti Joshi won team sabre gold at the Commonwealth Championships in Lagos. Market Watch: NGX extended losses, shedding about N613bn as consumer goods stocks dragged sentiment.

Ports Regulation: Tinubu signs the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill into law, creating a dedicated economic regulator for tariffs, licensing and port competition—an upgrade from the NSC’s interim role since 2014. Downstream Fuel: Dangote Refinery and some depots cut petrol prices after a fresh hike, easing pump-rate pressure as global oil volatility and Hormuz tensions keep prices jumpy. Food Security: Nigeria tops Africa’s crisis-level food insecurity list with 36.3m people affected, as rising fuel and fertilizer costs threaten worse access to food. Agribusiness Research: Cross River approves N355.3m for a NIFOR oil palm research administrative and laboratory complex at Creek Town to boost productivity and downstream value. Energy & Market Integration: West African regulators push a unified refined fuel market for transparent pricing benchmarks, with NMDPRA arguing fragmented infrastructure has slowed trade and standardisation. FX & Markets: Naira firms to about N1,360/$ at official FX as NGX slides 1.12% and investors lose ₦1.76trn amid profit-taking in major stocks. Tech & Payments: Nigeria’s Clea launches Vendor Payments to simplify cross-border supplier payments via stablecoin rails. Education/TVET: NAPS gives the education minister a 14-day resignation ultimatum over policies it says weaken polytechnic and technical training. Climate Finance: ECOWAS targets a $294bn climate funding gap by developing a regional carbon market platform.

Science & Skills Partnerships: NASENI moves to deepen technology, TVET and innovation cooperation with The Gambia via a new MoU after a high-level visit to its research and specialised institutes. Oil & Gas Accountability: EFCC tells the Senate it has recovered over N115bn and $84m in NDDC statutory levies from defaulting oil firms, clearing 19 companies after NEITI-linked queries. Energy Market Reform: West Africa risks missing a $3trn energy opportunity unless regulators unify rules and pricing frameworks to end fragmented national strategies. Deep Offshore Investment Push: NNPC says it’s ready to implement the amended Production Sharing Contract framework after Tinubu’s deep offshore incentives order, targeting up to $50bn investment. Agriculture Mechanisation: FG unveils a National Agricultural Mechanisation Policy and Investment Strategy to shift mechanisation from procurement to private investment and boost productivity. Livestock Deal Scrutiny: CSOs and farmers urge government to publish the MoU on JBS’s $2.5bn livestock investment, warning secrecy could repeat past resource crises. Digital Finance Oversight: CBN launches the second cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox, including tracks for VASPs/stablecoins and data-enabled financial services. Education & Jobs: FG pushes UniPods to become commercial hubs, not just research centres, to drive jobs and investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy. Aviation Disruption Costs: Air Peace says union picketing caused over ₦2bn losses and calls for investigations into the violence and disruption. Market Watch: NGX extends losses as profit-taking hits large caps, with the All-Share Index down 1.12%.

Petrol Price Shock: Dangote Refinery lifted ex-gantry petrol by N15.50 to N1,181/litre as global crude nears $90, and depots followed with rates averaging about N1,200/litre—raising fears of more hikes if Strait of Hormuz tensions persist. Retail Relief Moves: NNPC Ltd cut petrol at some Abuja stations by N49 to N1,250/litre, after Dangote’s earlier N50 gantry reduction, easing pump prices in parts of Lagos and other hubs. Oil & Gas Policy Push: President Tinubu approved a deep offshore incentives framework to unlock up to $50bn in investment, using clear eligibility rules to revive stalled projects. Downstream Governance: Senate issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Seplat and other oil firms over NEITI audit queries, while regulators and lawmakers renewed calls for a credible West Africa refined fuel pricing benchmark. Payments Upgrade: NIBSS began rolling out the National Payment Stack (NPS), recording 26.55m transactions worth ₦1.4tn across 48 institutions. Digital Infrastructure Protection: NCC warned road contractors to prevent fibre-optic cable damage, citing thousands of fibre cuts and the knock-on effects on banking, services and commerce. Food Trade Disruption: Nigeria’s N945bn onion industry faces export suspension to Ghana after market restrictions at Kotoku Market, threatening perishable losses and ECOWAS/ AfCFTA compliance. Aviation Operations: Domestic airlines resumed after unions paused strike action over the 5% ticket charge, though cancellations and passenger backlog management continue. Creative Sector Funding: Nigerian creatives urged to build stronger structures and funding; iDICE highlighted financing options to turn talent into sustainable businesses. Housing Finance for Diaspora: FMBN launched an NHF Diaspora Mortgage Loan in London, offering a formal route for Nigerians abroad to buy homes. CNG Skills Drive: NADDC and NYSC flagged off CNG retrofitting training for 300 corps members to grow Nigeria’s clean mobility workforce. Consumer Safety: FCCPC and food experts moved against unsafe bakery practices, warning on banned additives like potassium bromate.

Deep Offshore Oil Reform: President Tinubu approved a rules-based deep offshore investment framework to unlock up to $50bn, replacing project-by-project bargaining and targeting the $10bn Bonga South West project, with incentives formalised under the 2026 tax remission order. Refining Capacity Push: Petroleum minister Heineken Lokpobiri says Nigeria will expand refining and midstream/downstream infrastructure to reach about 4 million bpd and serve Africa’s market. Refinery Ownership Debate: TUC backs private sector equity in refineries but rejects outright sale, urging a 49/51 government-private split to cut political interference. Aviation Disruption: Air Peace operations were disrupted as aviation unions picketed terminals in Lagos and Abuja, stranding passengers; Air Peace later resumed flights after unions withdrew, while NCAA urged dialogue. NGX Pullback: Nigeria’s stock market reversed Monday’s rally, shedding about N1.17tn as investors took profit, with MTN Nigeria and First HoldCo among pressure points. State Revenue Shift: Lagos topped H1 2026 FAAC allocations with N365.78bn, driven largely by VAT, signalling non-oil consumption power. Vehicle Financing: UBA and Mikano launched a 70/30 auto financing scheme with 36-month repayment for eligible customers. Customs Crackdown: Nigeria Customs at Seme seized expired noodles, foreign rice and explosives, warning against relabelling and re-entry of dangerous goods. Skills & Jobs: NSIPA began distributing starter packs to 18,510 newly trained artisans nationwide. Regulatory Sandbox (Fintech): CBN opened applications for the second virtual assets and data-enabled financial services sandbox cohort. Food Security Policy: Yobe appointed a new Special Adviser on Food Security to strengthen local production and reduce hunger. Orange Economy & Creative Industry: NIPSS and the Art Ministry partner to drive Nigeria’s $1tn economy push, while Lai Mohammed calls the creative industry Nigeria’s “next oil.” Security & Industry Stability: Army arrested a kidnap kingpin in Enugu and recovered arms and dollars; FG also plans pilot ranching in six states and FCT to curb farmer-herder conflicts.

Insurance Regulation: Nigeria’s Finance Ministry orders NAICOM to pause enforcement of disputed recapitalisation fees and require NICON Insurance and Nigeria Reinsurance to justify charges, including N305m and N375m assessments, after firms challenged NAICOM’s 1% fee and escrow transfer demands. Aviation Labour Dispute: Air Peace operations were grounded in Lagos and Abuja after aviation unions picketed over ticket sales charges and workers’ refusal to join unions; NCAA says flight safety oversight continues while it urges dialogue. Insurance Penetration Push: The Nigerian Insurers Association unveils a five-year Awareness, Capacity Building and Enforcement (ACE) plan to expand compulsory insurance compliance, digital services, and fraud-fighting. EV Adoption Roadmap: Metropolitan Electric calls for a coordinated 10-year EV roadmap, government procurement quotas, green-mobility financing, regulated charging, and performance-based local content—prioritising buses and logistics fleets. Livestock Industrial Strategy: Tinubu targets doubling livestock’s $32bn contribution to over $64bn, positioning Nigeria as a livestock production and processing hub. Agro-Industrial Expansion: Yobe hands over four agro-industrial hubs to Nigeria Food Corporation to revive value chains and boost jobs. Pharma Localisation: Katsina plans its first pharmaceutical manufacturing plant to improve access to essential medicines. Infrastructure Delivery: Nasarawa targets completion of the N44bn Mararaba flyover by end-2026 to cut Abuja-Keffi travel time. Digital Economy Demand: NCC data shows Nigerians consumed about 15.32bn GB of internet data worth an estimated N6.6tn in a year, with usage hitting record levels. Manufacturing Competitiveness: FCT urges manufacturers to adopt smart tech, AI and automation to cut costs and stay competitive. Security Coordination: NSCDC Anambra calls for stronger inter-agency collaboration to tackle kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, illegal mining and other threats.

Drug Control & Trade: Nigeria’s DRI says it dismantled an illegal Tramadol unit in Maharashtra and foiled an export consignment meant for Nigeria, seizing 1 lakh Tramadol tablets plus Tapentadol, machinery and raw materials. Public Health Regulation: Tobacco Control Community urges lawmakers to recall the Tobacco Control Act Amendment Bill 2025, warning it could weaken safeguards and expose children to nicotine products. Energy & Industry: Tinubu targets doubling livestock’s $32bn annual contribution as Nigeria pushes modern, technology-driven animal agriculture. Power & Infrastructure: Enugu begins building three new 33KV feeders to cut outages in four LGAs. Roads & Logistics: Nasarawa says the N44bn Mararaba flyover will cut Abuja–Keffi travel time to under 40 minutes; FG targets finishing Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano by November. Extractives Transparency: EITI global validators begin assessment in Nigeria as government reiterates extractives transparency. Agribusiness Trade Dispute: Nigerian onion traders suspend exports to Ghana, seeking ECOWAS intervention as restrictions continue. Security: Army arrests a kidnap kingpin in Enugu and recovers AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition. Finance & Insurance: Finance Ministry orders NAICOM to justify N680m recapitalisation charges and pauses enforcement pending a petition. Telecom & Digital Economy: MTN Nigeria outlines a shift from voice to AI, fintech and digital platforms as it marks 25 years and nears 90m connections.