Benin–Nigeria Trade Tech: Nigeria and the Republic of Benin Customs have launched the Customs Declaration Exchange System (CDES) to connect their processes online, cut friction at borders, and speed up cross-border trade—especially for women traders on the Seme–Krake corridor. Power Sector Transparency: Ossiomo Power Company pushes back on claims that a Chinese firm owns 75% of the project, saying the real issue is a contractor dispute and alleged forced shutdown of its facility. Roads & Emergency Works: Nigeria’s Federal Government has ordered major contractors to repair the Benin–Asaba road after the concessionaire declined intervention options, putting public interest ahead of the concession terms. Higher Education Funding Tension: ASUU Benin Zone condemns a prolonged strike in Ondo state universities, blaming failure to implement the 2025 FGN–ASUU agreement and underfunding. Research-to-Jobs Push in Benin: Igbinedion University (Okada) begins a push to translate research into products, services, and enterprises to create jobs. Eco-Industry in Porto-Novo: Gbobètô in Benin is turning palm nut shells and farm waste into eco-charcoal briquettes, supporting cleaner cooking and circular economy jobs. Digital Identity Export Trend: A UNDP-backed mission shows how African countries are learning from India’s digital public infrastructure—especially digital identity and payments—to scale services in areas like agriculture and health.