AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: NCDC DG Jide Idris says Nigeria is only 59% ready for a possible Ebola outbreak, warning of gaps at points of entry as Uganda and DR Congo report new cases. Health Response: South-East states Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu activate Ebola response mechanisms, strengthening surveillance and alerting health workers. Visa & Travel Access: The US plans to cut visa-processing embassies across Africa from nearly 50 to 20, with Lagos named as a regional hub—meaning more travellers may need to travel for interviews. Security & Travel Safety: Troops in Kogi rescue 23 kidnapped passengers after a counter-kidnapping operation on the Ayegunle–Bunu Road. School Insecurity: Oyo State shuts public schools as teachers begin a nationwide protest over abducted pupils and teachers; protests also hit Ogun. Road & Tourism Link: The Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway gets a progress check, with officials saying it will boost movement for farmers, traders and tourists. Sports Travel: Super Eagles begin preparations in Warsaw for friendlies vs Poland and Portugal despite key absences. Boxing & Nigeria Connection: Anthony Joshua says he’ll return to the ring July 25 in Jeddah, after the December crash that killed two of his friends in Nigeria.

Ebola Preparedness: NCDC DG Jide Idris says Nigeria is only 59% ready for a possible Ebola outbreak, warning that surveillance must go beyond airports to porous land borders. Airport Health Measures: Lagos is tightening Ebola screening at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, including plans to reduce passenger contact from Ebola-affected countries. Hajj Travel Update: NAHCON announces return flights for 2026 Hajj pilgrims will begin June 3 from Makkah. Kidnapping & Protests: Abeokuta residents protest for the immediate release of abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, after viral reports of a teacher’s killing in captivity. Security at Airports: DSS operatives reportedly detain writer Okey Ndibe on arrival at Lagos airport, citing “orders from above.” Tourism & Hospitality Skills: Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) backs the IHTEF 2026 Bartender Academy in Abuja to train youth for hospitality and tourism jobs. Visa & Travel Policy: The US plans to cut the number of Africa visa-processing hubs from nearly 50 to 20, expected in June, while the US Mission in Nigeria reiterates strict interagency security vetting for travellers. Maritime Safety: NIWA stakeholders say the agency remains in charge of inland waterways safety and navigation despite a Supreme Court ruling on waterfront land provisions.

Ebola Watch at Lagos Airport: FAAN and Lagos health officials have tightened screening at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with plans to limit passenger interaction for flights from high-risk countries after renewed Ebola concerns in the DRC and Uganda. Super Eagles Travel Update: Nigeria’s Unity Cup champions departed for Poland, but coach Eric Chelle confirmed Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman won’t play friendlies vs Poland and Portugal, citing club issues and visa constraints. Carnival Calabar 2026: Cross River Governor Bassey Otu unveiled the theme “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny” and promised innovations to boost participation and tourism. Abuja Housing Tension: Residents of Dr. Sam Nujoma Estate in Galadimawa, Abuja, petition the FCT over alleged harassment and extortion by a developer, including claims of intimidation by private security. Fintech & Small Business Payments: Reports highlight how fintech like OPay is turning digital transfers into everyday business infrastructure, improving payment certainty for traders. Naira FX Snapshot: The naira closed May 2026 at about N1,372/$, slightly weaker month-on-month but stronger year-on-year. Arms Trafficking Crackdown: DSS arrested suspected arms couriers linked to the Papiri school abduction network, recovering AK rifles and ammunition. Sporting Events in Nigeria: ABA set up committees for its inaugural FCT Basketball Academies championship in July, while Okpekpe 10km and Taiwo Afolabi U-17 finals delivered more local sports buzz.

Ebola Watch: Lagos intensifies Ebola surveillance at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, pushing measures to reduce contact between arrivals from high-risk countries and other travellers as Central/East Africa cases rise. Drug Bust: NDLEA uncovers ketamine and ecstasy hidden in water purifier machines shipped from the Netherlands to Lagos, and seizes military-grade ammunition during nationwide operations. Security Pressure: SERAP urges the UN to refer Nigeria to the Security Council over escalating abductions and killings, highlighting mass displacement across multiple states. Kidnapping Crisis: Reports continue on school abductions in Oyo and the abduction of a retired general and his wife in the north-west, underscoring ongoing ransom-driven violence. Travel & Trade: Nigeria–UAE non-oil trade hits $5bn as visa restrictions ease and Etihad plans Abuja flights; a First Abu Dhabi Bank launch in Lagos is expected to boost business travel. World Cup Travel Drama: South Africa’s World Cup departure is delayed by a visa paperwork fiasco, affecting their charter flight to Mexico. Culture & Tourism: Ojude Oba 2026 draws crowds in Ijebu-Ode, with heritage tourism and local economic activity in focus. Sports (Super Eagles): Osimhen and Lookman remain out of friendlies as Nigeria reshapes its squad for Poland and Portugal.

Security & Travel Safety: Suspected terrorists have abducted former Defence Information boss Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar (rtd) and his wife in Katsina along the Matazu axis, with reports that the driver escaped after a gunshot injury—another stark warning for travellers in the North West. Kidnapping Pressure: HURIWA issued a 24-hour ultimatum to President Tinubu to rescue abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, saying victims remain in captivity weeks after the May 16 raid. Health & Border Alerts: Nigeria’s NCDC placed 21 states (plus FCT) on high/moderate Ebola importation risk watch, citing travel links and porous borders, with Lagos, Abuja, Kano and others flagged for stronger preparedness. Tourism Policy: NTDA praised Tinubu’s 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans as a boost for tourism and regional integration. Local Life & Cleanliness: Lagos says participation in the monthly environmental sanitation is improving, though more residents still need to turn out. Sports & Movement: Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle replaced Chukwueze with Femi Azeez for friendlies vs Poland and Portugal after compassionate absence. Road Risk: A fatal crash on Oshodi–Apapa Expressway killed an SUV driver, prompting renewed calls for caution. Shopping for Travellers: Konga launched its June mid-year shopping festival with major discounts and faster KongaNow delivery.

Ebola Preparedness: NCDC has raised the alarm over high risk of Ebola importation, placing Lagos, FCT, Kano, Rivers and other states on high alert and urging emergency readiness at borders, airports and seaports. Public Health Alert: PSN also put pharmacists on red alert with enhanced surveillance and infection-prevention guidelines for frontline care. Security & Travel Anxiety: Atiku Abubakar renewed criticism of the Tinubu administration, saying insecurity has made road travel dangerous and ransom payments “routine,” a message that will hit travellers and tourism planning. Tourism Spotlight: Ogun State’s Dapo Abiodun hailed the Ojude Oba festival as a tourism and jobs boost, with thousands of visitors and major hotel/transport spillover. Court Ruling on Travel Rights: Nigeria-linked legal updates include a Lahore High Court order restricting offloading of passengers without valid grounds—relevant to travellers’ rights. Sports Travel Angle: DR Congo’s World Cup clearance comes amid Ebola-related travel restrictions, a reminder that health rules can reshape fan movement. Hospitality & Tourism Leadership: Hospitality Awards Africa named Nigeria’s Ikechi Uko and others among Africa’s top hospitality and tourism figures.

Ebola Preparedness: Nigeria’s health authorities have flagged 21 states (plus Abuja) as high or moderate risk for Ebola importation, with officials also weighing possible flight restrictions from affected countries to slow spread. Tourism & Culture: Ojude Oba 2026 kicked off in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, drawing tourists and dignitaries for horse-riding processions, regberegbe displays and high-fashion glamour, while Ogun’s government pushes the festival as a tourism flagship. Hospitality Investment: Accor and Shoreline Group signed an LOI to build Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, targeting up to 10 hotels across eight cities by 2030 and creating jobs via a planned hospitality academy. Pilgrimage Oversight: Nigeria’s Hajj lawmakers inspected NAHCON facilities in Mina, with pilgrims reporting satisfaction on accommodation and welfare services. Security & Travel Safety: Reports of renewed armed robbery on the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway have left motorists anxious, raising fresh concerns for road travel. Return Migration Support: Apostle Chibuzor offered free housing and welfare support for Nigerians in South Africa willing to relocate to Port Harcourt.

Ebola Travel & Health Alert: NCDC has placed Lagos, FCT and several states (including Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, Adamawa) on high alert over the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Uganda and DRC, warning Nigeria faces high importation risk via travel and porous borders; Flight Rules Under Review: FG is considering restricting flights from affected countries and isolating symptomatic passengers at entry points, with aviation and health agencies meeting in Lagos; Hajj Return Logistics: NAHCON says it will begin the 2026 pilgrims’ return airlift from Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 5, urging strict compliance with travel documents and luggage guidelines; Aviation & Tourism Boost: Nigeria signs an AfDB partnership to modernise aviation infrastructure and improve connectivity, while Air Peace expands with a new Boeing 737-800 and launches West Africa–Caribbean connectivity; Court Limits on Travel Checks: A Lahore High Court ruled FIA cannot stop citizens from foreign travel on mere suspicion or vague reasons, ordering written reasons for offloading; Security & Travel Safety: Tinubu marks his third anniversary by saying many communities and highways are becoming safer, with intensified operations against criminality.

Ebola Preparedness: FG is considering flight restrictions from Ebola-affected countries and plans to isolate symptomatic passengers at entry points after a high-level Lagos meeting led by Gbajabiamila. Aviation & Tourism Boost: Nigeria signed an LOI with the AfDB to push its $7bn Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme, aiming to modernise infrastructure and improve connectivity for trade and tourism. Eid Travel Safety: FRSC reports five deaths in a Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway crash linked to speeding and overloading during Eid-el-Kabir holidays. Security on the Move: COAS orders fresh offensives against bandits and kidnappers across North Central states, targeting threats to communities and travellers. Tourism Partnerships: Plateau State and Namibia begin talks on a strategic partnership spanning tourism, wildlife conservation, mining and livestock development. Work & Travel Planning: Canada’s IRCC data shows rising work permit wait times for Nigeria (now 16 weeks, up from 12). Culture & Events: Ilorin Emirate holds its 2026 Grand Durbar with heavy security, drawing residents and visitors. Children’s Day Reality Check: Rights groups renew calls over ongoing school kidnappings, including reports of 81 children still in captivity.

Transport & Tourism Boost: Abia Gov. Alex Otti has inaugurated a multi-modal bus terminal in Umuahia, named after FUTO VC Prof. Nnenna Oti, with capacity for 340 buses and plans to expand electric bus services—aimed at easing congestion and improving travel for residents and visitors. Eid Travel & Security: Nigeria’s Eid-el-Kabir message from the NLC urges citizens to intensify resistance to hardship and insecurity, warning that many people can’t travel roads freely without fear. Hospitality & Culture: FCMB says it’s deepening support for Ogun’s Ojude Oba festival, highlighting the event’s growing pull for tourism, hospitality, fashion and commerce in Ijebu-Ode. Business & Connectivity: Truecaller has launched a travel eSIM, positioning it as a faster, cheaper way to stay connected when travelling abroad. Public Health Travel Alert: St. Kitts and Nevis issued an Ebola travel advisory, urging nationals to avoid non-essential travel to several high-risk countries including Nigeria. Politics (Travel Impact): The NDC adjusted its 2027 primaries timetable due to Eid-el-Kabir public holidays and flight shortages, with arrivals and documentation moved to May 28.

US-Nigeria Trade Push: NACC unveiled the “Lagos Legacy Project,” seeking Sanwo-Olu’s backing for a permanent US-Nigeria commercial diplomacy centre in Lagos to anchor trade ties for decades. Eid Travel & Transport: NRC temporarily suspended the Warri–Itakpe train service for technical checks; meanwhile, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano routes saw heavy Eid gridlock as Umahi ordered contractors to reopen accessible sections. Security for Festivities: Lagos police deployed massive personnel for Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day, while FCT minister Nyesom Wike urged residents to turn Eid lessons into civic duty—cleanliness, traffic rules, tax compliance and support for security. Health & Border Alerts: NCDC warned Nigerians not to use bitter kola, salt water or herbs as Ebola cures, stressing no approved home remedy; St Kitts and Nevis said it has no Ebola cases but is screening arrivals. Eid Economy & Tourism: FCMB backed Ojude Oba’s growing cultural tourism pull in Ijebu-Ode, and NEM Insurance reported N41.46bn gross claims paid in 2025. Insecurity Spotlight: Women’s rights groups condemned rising abductions of women and children, as Children’s Day grief deepened over Oyo school kidnappings.

Road Relief for Eid Travelers: Works Minister David Umahi has ordered the immediate reopening of all accessible sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway after gridlock stranded thousands ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, with security agencies deployed along the corridor. Festive Security Push: Police in the FCT launched “Operation Sweep FCT,” while Benue deployed 1,760 NSCDC personnel for crowd control and rapid response during Sallah. Transport Digitisation: In Lagos, Interswitch’s Ticket Vending Platform was unveiled to tackle fragmented, cash-heavy transport ticketing that fuels delays and revenue leaks. Eid Travel Cost Cut: Nigeria Railways gets a 50% train fare discount for Eid-el-Kabir (May 26–June 1). Insecurity Watch: A US report claims about 30,000 armed Fulani militants operate across Nigeria, intensifying attacks in the Middle Belt and southern regions. Health Alert: NCDC warns Nigerians not to rely on unverified Ebola “home remedies,” as Nigeria is flagged high-risk for importation.

Eid Travel & Security: Nigeria’s federal government has declared Wed May 27 and Thu May 28 public holidays for Eid-el-Kabir, with nationwide security deployments and heightened terror alerts pushing travellers to plan early. Ebola Watch: Health agencies and the NOA are urging Nigerians to stay alert as global Ebola concerns rise; meanwhile, the Caribbean is tightening screening after isolating two incoming passengers in the Bahamas. Aviation Disruptions: Passengers disrupted an EgyptAir Lagos–Cairo flight over delayed delivery of checked luggage, while United Nigeria Airlines blamed a system downtime for handwritten boarding tickets. Road Travel: Works Minister David Umahi ordered the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano road reopened on completed sections for Sallah movement, and Oyo’s traffic agency deployed hundreds of officers for Eid traffic control. Football & Tragedy: Former Southampton and Royal Antwerp youth forward Victor Udoh (21) died in Abuja under “suspicious” circumstances, with reports pointing to suspected poisoning as investigations continue.

Security Shock in Abuja: Major General Hassan Ahmed was shot dead in Abaji, FCT, as gunmen ambushed his vehicle and abducted his wife—raising fresh alarm over attacks and kidnappings on major routes. NAF Push Against Terror: Nigeria’s Air Force says intelligence-led strikes in Niger State (May 20–23) neutralised terrorists and disrupted planned attacks in Rafi and Mariga. Eid Travel Chaos: Abuja–Kaduna travellers are stuck in hours-long gridlock ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, with FRSC urging an alternative Kachia–Bwari route. Ebola Watch: Lagos reassures residents there’s no confirmed Ebola case in the state, while Nigeria’s aviation regulator issues Ebola alerts and intensifies airport screening. Aviation Debt Tension: NCAA temporarily suspends “no-pay, no-service” enforcement against indebted airlines—insisting it’s not a debt waiver—while carriers push back. Eid Dates Confirmed: FG declares Wed May 27 and Thu May 28 public holidays for Eid-el-Kabir. Sports: Enugu Rangers clinch a historic 9th NPFL title after beating Ikorodu City 2-1.

Eid rush under pressure: Sheep prices in Nigeria are climbing fast ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, with traders at Kara Market (Lagos–Ogun border) blaming economic crunch, higher petrol costs, insurgency, multiple taxes and even illegal tolls—while shoppers complain sales are sluggish as rain keeps many animals and buyers stuck in the mud. Security & travel warnings: The Nigeria Immigration Service renewed alarms over fake job and education offers that lure Nigerians—especially young women and girls—into forced labour and trafficking, as FG also warned citizens not to travel without valid passports and visas. Public holiday confirmed: The Federal Government declared Wednesday May 27 and Thursday May 28 as public holidays for Eid-ul-Adha, with banks set to close branches nationwide and rely on digital services. Health watch: Ebola risk remains a major concern, with Lagos and other states stepping up surveillance. Sports & culture: NPFL title drama ended with Rangers winning again, while hospitality leaders gathered in Abuja for IHTEF Africa 9.0.

Aviation Crackdown Softens: The NCAA has temporarily suspended its “no pay, no service” order against 11 domestic airlines over unpaid statutory charges, saying consultations and sector pressures (especially fuel costs) are driving the pause—while stressing the debts are not forgiven. Ebola Watch Tightens: Nigeria’s NCDC is keeping Ebola importation risk high on its radar as outbreaks worsen in DR Congo and Uganda, urging states to activate surveillance, early detection, and response readiness at ports and border hubs. Airport Health Checks: FAAN and partners are reinforcing Ebola preparedness at major airports, including screening and passenger monitoring. Drug War at Lagos Airport: NDLEA arrested a 63-year-old Chinese woman over 31kg of “Canadian Loud” and also seized a large Tapentadol shipment worth over ₦2.1bn. Road Travel Disruption: FRSC advises motorists on Abuja–Kaduna Expressway to use Kaduna–Kachia–Maraban Kubacha alternatives as Eid-El-Kabir traffic gridlock persists. Sports Spotlight: Enugu Rangers clinched a record-equalling ninth NPFL title, while Remo Stars were relegated.