AGP Executive Report

US Immigration Shock: The US has ordered Green Card applicants (including Nigerians) to return to their home countries to process permanent residency, with USCIS saying it’s a return to the “original intent” of immigration law and that applications will be handled via US consular offices abroad. Ebola Watch: WHO has raised the DRC Ebola risk to “very high” nationally as suspected cases near 750 and the virus spreads into Uganda. Unity Cup Buzz: FIFA confirms Nigeria’s Unity Cup in London as Tier 1; meanwhile, England’s camp squad includes Nigeria-eligible teen Rio Ngumoha, and Plymouth’s Owen Oseni celebrates his first Super Eagles call-up. Politics & Culture: Cross River APC primaries move to unity talks; Anambra approves the Imo-Awka festival but bans masquerades carrying dangerous weapons. Business: Afreximbank reports a 25% Q1 2026 net income rise on stronger lending. Sports Tragedy: Wikki Tourists mourn defender Kabiru Mohammed after a fatal road crash.

China–Nigeria Cultural Diplomacy: China’s envoy in Abuja calls tea “a bridge for dialogue,” linking the Silk Road heritage to fresh people-to-people ties. Nollywood & Creative Economy: Film festivals are shifting from red carpets to deal-making hubs, while AI is set to cut Nollywood production costs. AfCFTA Push for Entrepreneurs: Nigeria’s trade minister urges startups to cash in on AfCFTA, announcing an acceleration programme to help firms scale beyond Africa. Payments & Travel Tech: BMONI and Mastercard roll out instant Naira and dollar virtual/physical cards in Nigeria, and Truecaller expands into Travel eSIM for international data. Culture & Tourism: Anambra approves Imo-Awka festival with road-use conditions; Edo completes reconstruction of the Oba market in Benin after a 2020 fire. Health & Aviation Safety: FAAN steps up Ebola airport screening with QR scanners and temperature checks. Sports & Mobility: Wikki Tourists mourn defender Kabiru Mohammed after a fatal road crash; England’s pre-World Cup camp in Florida adds Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha. Markets: Naira edges up at the official market after CBN’s MPC holds rates at 26.5%.

Unity Cup Buzz: Zimbabwe’s Warriors have landed in Birmingham for the inaugural Unity Cup, with Nigeria, Jamaica and India set to play at The Valley Stadium (May 26–30) — and Nigeria’s squad is getting a late boost as Éric Chelle adds Yira Collins Sor and Tijani Al-Ameen, while AIK’s Zadok Yohanna is blocked. Court Relief for Politics: A Federal High Court ruling has struck down parts of INEC’s 2027 timetable, giving opposition parties breathing room as they weigh next steps. Travel Tech Upgrade: Truecaller is moving into travel with eSIM plans (1GB–20GB) available in 29 countries including Nigeria, aiming to make roaming easier inside its app. Airfare Watch: Domestic airlines may cut fares after Dangote reduced Jet A1 to N1,650/litre. Tourism & Security: Bauchi says it has upgraded and secured major tourism sites like Yankari Game Reserve. Health Alert: FAAN says Ebola screening has been intensified at airports as Nigeria watches developments in Central Africa.

Unity Cup Fallout: Zifa’s Kadewere is ruled out of Zimbabwe’s Unity Cup semi-final vs Nigeria, with Washington Navaya drafted—raising fresh questions about how the squad was picked and whether the injury history was properly factored in. Super Eagles Squad Tension: Swedish club AIK also refuses to release Zadok Yohanna for Nigeria’s Unity Cup in London, citing rehabilitation and sporting reasons, even as Arthur Okonkwo’s first Eagles call-up is celebrated by Wrexham. Public Health at Airports: FAAN steps up infectious-disease surveillance at Nigerian airports amid Ebola fears, while Nigeria’s NCDC says there’s no confirmed Ebola case locally. Travel & Safety Tips: NYSC urges parents to fund corps members’ travel properly and says NYSC is partnering NIMC to simplify biometric registration. Tourism & Business: FTAN fixes July 30–31 for its tourism investors forum in Abuja, as Malaysia-Nigeria trade rises 5.9% and pushes MIHAS halal growth. Road Rules: FRSC reiterates that foreign driving licences aren’t valid on Nigerian roads.

Airport Health Alert: FAAN and NCDC say Nigeria has no confirmed Ebola case, but airports are on high alert with tighter screening and emergency readiness. Customs & Travel Ease: Nigeria Customs is rolling out a new clearance system to cut airport delays and speed up passenger and cargo processing. CBN & Cost of Living: The CBN retained MPR at 26.5%, citing inflation pressure as “transitory,” even as travellers feel the squeeze. Fuel & Airfares: Domestic airfare is climbing to N200,000+ as airlines react to the fuel crisis. AfCFTA Push for Traders: FG urges Nigerian startups and digital businesses to lead continental expansion as AfCFTA moves into implementation. Culture Goes Digital: Iwopin Kingdom partners DTML to digitise and globalise the Okosi Festival. Sports Travel Buzz: Flamingos land in Abidjan for the Guinea qualifier, while Federation Cup shocks keep fans on the move.

Ebola Watch at Airports: FAAN says Nigeria has no confirmed Ebola case, but has intensified screening at all international airports, working with Port Health Services and NCDC to isolate any suspected traveller and strengthen emergency response. Security Pressure in the South-West: Actor Lateef Adedimeji warns the region is becoming a “landscape of fear” as abductions and attacks spread beyond expectations. Politics Ahead of 2027: HURIWA demands the sack of top security chiefs over worsening insecurity, while Niger APC chieftain Jonathan Vatsa calls the party’s primaries a “facade.” Super Eagles Build-Up: Eric Chelle names squads for the Unity Cup and friendlies vs Poland and Portugal, with Osimhen and Lookman leading. Travel & Tourism Signals: Barbados plans renewed Lagos–Barbados charters, and Nigeria’s Hajj bodies roll out better pilgrim support, including a cloud-based call centre.

Ebola Alarm: WHO is warning of a fast-spreading, rare Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, with suspected deaths now at least 134 and hundreds of possible cases, while Nigeria is urged to tighten border surveillance as the situation spills across the region. School Kidnapping Crisis: In Oyo State, coordinated attacks have left dozens of children abducted and one teacher killed, as police step up rescue efforts and pressure grows for stronger local security. Security & Transport: Seven people were feared killed in a Jigawa road crash as the LG chairman survived with injuries, while police also arrested suspects over ransom kidnapping in Kaduna. Culture & Tourism Boost: Globacom renews sponsorship for the 2026 Ojude Oba Festival (21 years), and Iwopin’s Okosi Festival is being digitised for global audiences through DTML. Politics & Elections: Peter Obi emerges as NDC’s sole presidential candidate after screening, as the party heads toward 2027. Trade & Travel: Togo grants visa-free entry to all Africans for up to 30 days, and China’s zero-tariff Africa deal is already showing early export wins.

World Cup Buzz: Cristiano Ronaldo is named in Portugal’s 27-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with coach Roberto Martinez adding a symbolic “plus one” tribute to late Diogo Jota; Portugal open Group K in Houston against DR Congo on June 17. Culture & Tourism: Kogi’s Ogidi Day Festival gets a major boost as Jumabee confirms he’ll headline June 20, while Ogun’s Iwopin kingdom partners DTML to digitalise the Okosi festival for a global audience. Sports Admin: Nigeria’s Super Eagles are placed in Pot A for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers draw in Cairo, with William Troost-Ekong among the legends assisting. Health Alert: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with deaths reported at 131 and fears of wider spread as Uganda records cases too. Security & Governance: COAS urges flexible, coordinated security responses, while EFCC reports the arrest of convicted ex-power minister Saleh Mamman. Travel Ease: Nigeria Customs launches a digital passenger clearance system at Abuja airport to speed up baggage processing.

Ebola Watch: Nigeria’s NCDC has intensified surveillance and emergency readiness after Ebola spread in DR Congo and a confirmed imported case in Uganda, with heightened port health checks, lab readiness and public risk messaging—while the US also restricts entry for non-citizens from the affected countries. Kidnapping Crisis: In Oyo State, bandits abducted at least 39 pupils and seven teachers; one teacher was beheaded in a viral video, and rescue efforts were disrupted by explosives as Makinde vowed to listen to abductors’ demands while pushing for safe release. Food Prices: Food inflation stayed above 20% in 11 states in April, and for the first time in eight months food prices overtook headline inflation—raising pressure on household budgets. Travel & Money: CBN eases cashless PTA/BTA from June 1, allowing travellers to take 25% in cash dollars. Ports & Trade: Marine minister Oyetola says Nigeria is expanding port capacity and deep seaports to boost regional logistics.

Kidnapping Update: In Oyo State, bandits abducted at least 39 pupils and seven teachers, killing one teacher in captivity and injuring security operatives during a rescue attempt after explosives were found; authorities say six suspects have been arrested. Ebola Watch: Nigeria’s NCDC says there’s still no confirmed Ebola case locally, but it’s ramping up surveillance as DR Congo reports rising deaths and Uganda records a confirmed imported case. Travel Money Relief: From June 1, the CBN will let travellers access 25% of PTA/BTA in cash dollars, with the rest handled electronically—easing the old strict cashless rule. Hajj Timing Locked: Saudi Arabia and the Sultan of Sokoto confirm Arafat Day for May 26, 2026 and Eid al-Kabir for May 27, 2026. Sports & Travel: Kwara United begin their Federation Cup title defence next Wednesday against Abuja’s Sporting Supreme U-19, while Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle keeps Unity Cup plans in focus.

Ebola Alarm: WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, with reports of 300+ suspected cases and 88 deaths, while Nigeria’s NCDC says there’s currently no confirmed case but has boosted surveillance and port-health vigilance. Food Costs: Nigeria’s food inflation jumped to 16.06% in April, finally overtaking headline inflation (15.69%) for the first time in eight months—bad news for travellers and families planning budgets. Security & Schools: Fresh school abductions deepen Nigeria’s security crisis, with reports of the killing of an abducted Oyo teacher after a video surfaced. Politics & Power: APC House of Reps primaries reportedly favoured children of former presidents and governors. Travel & Payments: FirstBank and Visa unveiled multi-currency premium and naira debit cards. Hajj Update: NAHCON says 32,539 pilgrims have been airlifted so far via 80 flights.

Eid Al-Adha Date Set: Saudi Arabia has sighted the Dhul Hijjah crescent and confirmed Eid al-Adha 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27 (Arafah Day: Tuesday, May 26). Hajj Update: NAHCON says Nigeria has airlifted 32,539 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia via 80 flights. Health Alert: WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, while Nigeria’s NCDC says there are no confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria but surveillance has been stepped up. Travel Costs & Transport: Rising fuel prices are pushing Nigerians toward cheaper transport options as fares climb. Security & Mobility: Reports continue of dangerous road journeys—from the Gombe–Dukku road’s daily ordeal to a Kogi highway incident where passengers were abducted from an Abuja-bound bus. AFCON 2027 Draw: CAF will hold the AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday. Money Moves: Dash Microfinance cut transfer fees to ₦5 per transaction.

Public Health: WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern, urging countries to avoid border closures as cases and deaths climb. Road Safety & Security: Nigeria’s roads are being branded “killing fields” as traffic crash data shows mass casualties, while separate coverage highlights how terrorism and violent attacks are reshaping road travel fears. Travel Policy: Nigeria begins a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans, with immigration saying no prior visa steps are needed—an easy boost for intra-Africa movement and tourism. Tourism & Culture: Nigeria-China ties get a fresh push at China Tourism Day, while tourism leaders argue Nigeria must build destinations around culture, storytelling, and targeted audiences. Sports: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle points to the Unity Cup in London as a talent test ahead of Poland and Portugal friendlies. Finance & Hospitality: CBN eases PTA/BTA cash rules with a 25% cash-dollar option, and Abuja’s Capital Hotel reports a 59% revenue jump in 2025.

Visa & Mobility: Nigeria has started immediate 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandan nationals, with entry cleared at airports, land borders and seaports for tourism, business and official visits—stays beyond 30 days require a visa via missions or e-visa. Tourism Diplomacy: Nigeria and China used China Tourism Day in Abuja to push deeper tourism, culture and creative economy cooperation. Security & Travel Safety: In Oyo, Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated a Violent Crime Response Unit, saying the recent school abduction exposed a major intelligence gap and urging faster public reporting. Health & Infrastructure: NAUTH in Anambra received an NNPC Foundation MRI and the CMD urged staff to handle equipment professionally. FX Watch: The naira posted a weekly loss at the NFEM despite a big liquidity jump. Sports: Flying Eagles camp is set for the WAFU B U20 with 35 players invited, including Wikki Tourists’ Abubakar Aliyu.

Travel Policy: Nigeria has started enforcing a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandan nationals, with the Nigeria Immigration Service saying the rollout begins immediately at airports, land borders and seaports. The deal covers tourism, business and official visits, but overstays beyond 30 days will require a visa via a Nigerian mission or the Nigeria e-Visa platform. Diplomacy & Mobility: The move follows President Tinubu’s announcement in Kigali at the Africa CEO Forum, framed as reciprocity for Rwanda’s earlier gesture to Nigerians. Aviation & Tourism: NCAA has fined Xejet Airways N2m over passenger rights violations, while China and Nigeria continue pushing tourism and cultural cooperation through events like China Tourism Day. Safety & Travel Disruptions: Police say they rescued 30 Malians after arresting 13 in a transnational trafficking ring, and Lokoja’s recent rainstorm left major damage—another reminder that travel plans can be hit by weather and security risks.

Security & Rights: Enugu Nursing College is accused of using DSS and police to intimidate student nurse Francis Nwapa and Mrs. Ifeoma Nwaogaranya after they challenged alleged repression tied to a viral complaint about Uwani General Hospital. Health & Travel Comfort: NAUTH Nnewi commissioned a 1.5 Tesla MRI via NNPC Foundation—good news for South-East patients who often travel for scans. Courts & Accountability: A federal court jailed a nursing mother, Halima Haliru Umar, for 20 years over 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition linked to terrorism. Economy Watch: Nigeria’s inflation rose to 15.69% in April, with food, transport, and accommodation costs driving the increase. FX Policy: CBN launched a new Foreign Exchange Manual (4th edition) effective June 1 to boost liquidity and market confidence. Aviation & Movement: Customs in Kano seized $461,600 undeclared cash from Dubai arrivals and handed suspects to EFCC. Tourism & Events: Okpekpe Road Race named a new medical head and sponsors for its May 30 edition; Bayelsa-owned Pioneer Airline received NCAA certification to start flights May 25.