HALF-YEAR ACTIVITY REPORT January – June 2026

HALF-YEAR ACTIVITY REPORT

January – June 2026

 

SECRETARIAT REPORT

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Introduction
3.0 Strategic Areas of Engagement
4.0 Major Activities and Engagements
5.0 Soybean Intervention and Agricultural Advocacy
6.0 Engagement with Government and Public Institutions
7.0 Engagement with the Republic of Benin
8.0 Diplomatic Engagement
9.0 Security, Peace and Humanitarian Engagement
10.0 Membership Engagement and Participation
11.0 Meetings and Internal Governance
12.0 Financial Management and Resource Mobilization
13.0 Secretariat Operations
14.0 Financial Secretary
15.0 Major Achievements During the First Half of 2026
16.0 Challenges
17.0 Lessons Learnt
18.0 Priorities for the Second Half of 2026
19.0 Recommendations to the Executive Committee
20.0 Conclusion

 

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The first half of 2026 represented an important period in the institutional development and public engagement of the Nigeria–Benin Advocacy for Development Forum (NBADF).

During the period under review, the Forum continued to pursue its core objectives of promoting stronger Nigeria–Benin relations, cross-border trade and investment, regional integration, development advocacy, peace and security, and constructive engagement with government, diplomatic institutions, private-sector stakeholders and counterpart organizations in the Republic of Benin.

The Forum's activities during the period included stakeholder engagement, diplomatic outreach, trade and agricultural advocacy, participation in activities in the Republic of Benin, internal institutional development, member engagement and financial mobilization.

One of the most significant achievements of the period was the Forum's intervention on the soybean sector, culminating in its presentation before stakeholders convened by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The Forum's submission was sufficiently comprehensive to become the lead paper for the discussion and generated significant interest from participating institutions.

The Forum also participated in election observation activities in the Republic of Benin, an engagement which was regarded by the leadership as a major success, and which strengthened the Forum's visibility and relationships within the Benin Republic.

The period also witnessed continued engagement with the Forum's counterparts in the Republic of Benin and efforts to strengthen the Nigeria–Benin institutional framework. The Forum's engagement with the new Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin subsequently reinforced this diplomatic and institutional direction.

At the same time, the Forum continued to confront challenges relating to member participation, regularity of meetings, financial contributions and the need for stronger institutional structures. These challenges have informed a number of measures and recommendations for the second half of 2026.

Overall, the first half of 2026 demonstrated that NBADF possesses the expertise, networks and institutional capacity to make meaningful interventions in issues affecting Nigeria–Benin relations and broader West African development.

 

 

2.0 INTRODUCTION

The Nigeria–Benin Advocacy for Development Forum was established as an advocacy and development platform focused on strengthening relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin and promoting initiatives capable of contributing to economic integration, cross-border trade, investment, peace, security and sustainable development.

The Forum brings together individuals with experience and interests spanning diplomacy, government, business, trade, agriculture, security, academia, development and community affairs.

This Half-Year Activity Report provides the Board with an overview of the Forum's activities, engagements, achievements, challenges and emerging priorities during the first six months of 2026.

The report is intended to:

1.      Provide an institutional record of activities undertaken during the reporting period;

2.      Highlight key achievements and outcomes;

3.      Identify challenges affecting the Forum's effectiveness;

4.      Assess the level of member participation and institutional development;

5.      Present areas requiring Board attention; and

6.      Provide a basis for the Forum's programme of activities for the second half of 2026.

 

3.0 STRATEGIC AREAS OF ENGAGEMENT

3.1 Nigeria–Benin Relations and Regional Integration

The Forum continued to promote stronger institutional and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

3.2 Cross-Border Trade and Investment

The Forum continued to position itself as a platform for identifying and advocating solutions to challenges affecting cross-border trade, investment and economic integration.

3.3 Agriculture and Commodity Development

Agriculture, particularly the soybean value chain, emerged as one of the Forum's major areas of advocacy during the period.

3.4 Diplomacy and Government Engagement

The Forum continued to engage government and diplomatic institutions on issues relevant to its mandate.

3.5 Peace, Security and Humanitarian Concerns

The Forum maintained concern over insecurity affecting communities and members and undertook discussions and proposed interventions relating to affected persons.

3.6 Institutional Development

The Forum continued efforts to strengthen its membership, Secretariat, financial systems, governance arrangements and working relationships.

 

4.0 MAJOR ACTIVITIES AND ENGAGEMENTS

4.1 Participation in Election Observation Activities in the Republic of Benin

One of the major external engagements undertaken by the Forum during the first half of 2026 was its participation in election observation activities in the Republic of Benin.

The exercise provided members of the Forum with an opportunity to observe democratic processes in the neighbouring country and to deepen the Forum's understanding of political, social and institutional developments within the Republic of Benin.

The engagement also provided opportunities for members to establish and strengthen contacts with relevant stakeholders.

The leadership subsequently described the election observation exercise as a major success for the Forum.

Significance

·         Strengthening the Forum's visibility in the Republic of Benin;

·         Expanding the Forum's network of contacts;

·         Demonstrating the Forum's interest in democratic and institutional development;

·         Strengthening Nigeria–Benin people-to-people relations; and

·         Creating opportunities for future engagement with relevant Beninese institutions.

 

5.0 SOYBEAN INTERVENTION AND AGRICULTURAL ADVOCACY

5.1 Engagement with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment

The Forum undertook a significant advocacy intervention concerning the soybean sector and its development potential.

The matter was treated by the Forum as an important economic and agricultural development issue. A committee comprising members of the Forum was tasked with undertaking research and preparing a substantive presentation.

The committee worked intensively to produce a detailed paper containing:

·         Relevant data and research

·         Identification of challenges affecting the soybean sector

·         Recommendations

·         Proposed implementation mechanisms

·         Associated budgetary considerations

The work was undertaken despite the competing professional and personal engagements of members.

5.2 Presentation to Federal Stakeholders

The Forum subsequently participated in a meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Although the Minister was not physically present, the meeting was chaired by a Director within the Department of Commodities and Exports.

The Forum had initially been expected to make only a brief intervention. However, the leadership informed the Ministry that the Forum had prepared a substantive presentation and requested permission to make a full presentation.

The request was accepted.

The Forum's paper ultimately became the lead paper for the meeting.

Representatives of several relevant institutions participated, including:

·         Federal Ministry of Agriculture

·         Central Bank of Nigeria

·         Bank of Industry

·         Soybean farmers

·         Nigerian Export Promotion Commission

·         Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment

The Forum's presentation attracted considerable attention because of the depth of the research, data, recommendations, implementation mechanisms and budgetary proposals contained in the paper.

Participants reportedly requested copies of the Forum's presentation.

5.3 Institutional Impact

The intervention significantly enhanced the Forum's visibility and credibility.

The leadership noted that what had initially been expected to be a brief contribution developed into a detailed discussion lasting approximately one and a half hours.

The engagement demonstrated that NBADF could make substantive policy contributions beyond its immediate Nigeria–Benin mandate where such issues had implications for trade, agriculture and regional development.

The experience also reinforced the importance of the Forum's ability to rapidly mobilize members with relevant expertise to produce high-quality policy interventions.

Key Outcome

·         Agriculture

·         Commodity development

·         Trade

·         Export promotion

·         Investment

·         Financial intervention

·         Regional economic development

 

6.0 ENGAGEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

During the reporting period, the Forum continued to recognize the importance of maintaining structured relationships with government institutions.

The Forum's soybean intervention provided an important opportunity for engagement with federal institutions and demonstrated the value of presenting evidence-based recommendations rather than merely making general advocacy statements.

The Forum also identified the need for more systematic engagement with:

·         Federal Ministries

·         State Governments

·         Relevant agencies

·         The Presidency

·         The Office of the Vice President

·         Diplomatic missions

·         ECOWAS institutions

The leadership emphasized that the Forum should periodically brief government on its activities and developments.

 

7.0 ENGAGEMENT WITH THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN

7.1 Strengthening the Benin Counterpart Structure

The Forum continued engagement with its counterparts in the Republic of Benin.

The first half of the year revealed both the opportunities and challenges associated with maintaining a cross-border organization involving members operating in two different national environments.

The Forum recognized that the effectiveness of the Nigerian side was linked to the functionality and cooperation of the Benin side.

Consequently, efforts were made to strengthen communication and coordination between both sides.

7.2 Internal Coordination Challenges

During the period, concerns emerged regarding disagreements among some members of the Benin counterpart structure.

The matter subsequently became a significant issue for the Forum's leadership.

The leadership recognized that although the matter had been described by some as an internal or private issue, unresolved institutional disagreements could affect the overall effectiveness and credibility of the Nigeria–Benin platform.

The Forum therefore began considering mechanisms for facilitating dialogue and reconciliation between the parties.

The issue remains an important institutional matter requiring continued attention in the second half of 2026.

 

8.0 DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT

The Forum continued to recognize the importance of diplomatic engagement in advancing its Nigeria–Benin objectives.

The subsequent engagement with the new Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, undertaken through a delegation led by Alhaji Alaso-Adura, provided an important opportunity to brief the diplomatic mission on the Forum's work.

The delegation presented information covering issues including:

·         Trade

·         Security

·         Cross-border trade corridors

·         Nigeria–Benin relations

·         The activities and objectives of the Forum

The engagement helped position the Forum as an organization with a practical interest in Nigeria–Benin relations and provided an avenue for continued collaboration with the diplomatic mission.

The participation of representatives from both Nigeria and Benin was particularly significant because it demonstrated the cross-border nature of the Forum.

 

9.0 SECURITY, PEACE AND HUMANITARIAN ENGAGEMENT

Security remained an important concern during the reporting period.

The Forum maintained an active interest in security developments affecting members, communities and cross-border relations.

A particularly significant concern involved the security incident affecting His Royal Majesty, the Emir of Yashikira, and members of his family.

The Forum received reports concerning the attack on the Emir's palace and the abduction of members of his household.

The leadership expressed concern and solidarity with His Royal Majesty and his family.

The Forum subsequently discussed:

·         Establishment of a committee to visit the Emir

·         Direct communication with him

·         A formal letter of commiseration

·         Prayers and moral support

·         Voluntary financial assistance

·         Possible engagement with relevant government authorities

·         Continued monitoring of the situation

The matter became an important demonstration of the Forum's commitment to standing with its members during periods of crisis.

 

10.0 MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATION

The Forum continued to emphasize the importance of active participation by members.

Leadership repeatedly acknowledged that every member was important to the progress of the organization and appreciated those who consistently participated in meetings, provided advice, contributed financially or supported activities in other ways.

The Forum also recognized the need to bring younger professionals into the organization.

 

11.0 MEETINGS AND INTERNAL GOVERNANCE

The Forum held meetings during the period to deliberate on strategic and operational matters.

However, the leadership expressed concern over the fact that no meeting was held during June 2026.

This was considered undesirable because regular meetings were necessary to:

·         Follow up on resolutions

·         Monitor assignments

·         Maintain member engagement

·         Address emerging issues

·         Strengthen institutional cohesion

·         Maintain momentum

The leadership subsequently resolved that such a prolonged gap should not recur.

The Secretariat was encouraged to ensure more regular scheduling and documentation of meetings.

 

12.0 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION

Financial sustainability remained one of the major challenges during the first half of 2026.

The Forum's financial system was based substantially on agreed member contributions. However, contribution levels remained below what was required to adequately fund the Forum's activities.

The Financial Secretary reported that approximately 29 members were on the relevant membership list, while approximately 13 members had made payments, with varying levels of consistency.

Some members had paid ahead, while others had paid for only one or two months.

The total amount reported as received was approximately ₦420,000.

The Forum acknowledged that this amount was inadequate to support the Secretariat and planned activities.

The leadership therefore:

7.      Encouraged members to regularize their contributions;

8.      Proposed giving members a defined period to settle outstanding obligations;

9.      Considered publishing outstanding indebtedness where members failed to respond;

10. Encouraged voluntary donations;

11. Encouraged financially capable members to support colleagues who were unable to meet their obligations;

12. Encouraged fundraising from external individuals and institutions; and

13. Emphasized transparency and accountability in financial management.

 

13.0 SECRETARIAT OPERATIONS

The Secretariat remained central to the Forum's activities during the reporting period.

The Secretariat supported:

·         Meeting coordination

·         Preparation and circulation of minutes

·         Communication with members

·         Preparation of correspondence

·         Documentation of Forum activities

·         Coordination of assignments

·         Follow-up on external engagements

·         Administrative support

The leadership repeatedly commended the Secretariat for maintaining its activities despite financial constraints.

It was also recognized that the Secretariat required additional support to prevent excessive concentration of administrative, financial and secretarial responsibilities on a single office.

 

14.0 FINANCIAL SECRETARY

During the period, Barrister Bisiriyu Fanu Lasisi was formally appointed as the Financial Secretary of the Forum. The decision was considered necessary because of the financial responsibilities already being undertaken by him.

The Forum further recognized the need for the Financial Secretary to have appropriate access to financial information and transaction notifications to enable effective monitoring and reporting. The leadership also directed that the appointment should be appropriately formalized through the required internal resolution and, where applicable, statutory documentation.

 

15.0 MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 2026

15.1 Successful Election Observation Engagement

The Forum participated in election observation activities in the Republic of Benin and strengthened its regional visibility.

15.2 Successful Soybean Policy Intervention

The Forum produced a substantive research-based paper on soybean development and presented it to major government and industry stakeholders.

15.3 Emergence as a Credible Stakeholder

The quality of the soybean presentation enhanced the Forum's credibility as a stakeholder in agriculture, trade and development.

15.4 Strengthened Nigeria–Benin Engagement

The Forum continued engagement with its counterparts in the Republic of Benin and worked toward strengthening cross-border institutional relationships.

15.5 Diplomatic Outreach

The Forum established engagement with the new Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.

15.6 Member Support and Solidarity

The Forum also sent a high-powered delegation comprising the Vice Chairman, the General Secretary, Financial Secretary and Alhaji Mobashiru Adetona to the final burial ceremony of His Royal Majesty, De Wheno Ahole Menu Toyi 1, the Akran of Badagry, whose son, Prince Adeyemi Akran, is a member of the Forum.

The Forum demonstrated concern for members and their families affected by security incidents, particularly the situation involving the Emir of Yashikira.

15.7 Institutional Expansion

The Forum continued to introduce new members and recognized the importance of younger professionals to its future.

15.8 Strengthening Financial Administration

The appointment and operational recognition of the Financial Secretary represented an important step toward better financial administration.

 

16.0 CHALLENGES

16.1 Inadequate Financial Resources

The most significant operational challenge remained inadequate funding. Member contributions were insufficient to support the Forum's Secretariat, programmes and planned initiatives.

16.2 Irregular Member Participation

Some members were not regularly attending meetings or participating in Forum activities. This affected follow-up and institutional continuity.

16.3 Prolonged Meeting Gaps

The absence of a meeting during June demonstrated the need for a more structured meeting calendar.

16.4 Cross-Border Coordination

Operating across Nigeria and the Republic of Benin presents coordination challenges, particularly where communication, institutional structures and individual interests differ.

16.5 Internal Disagreements Among Counterparts

The disagreements within the Benin counterpart structure presented a potential risk to the Forum's overall effectiveness and require continued diplomatic intervention.

16.6 Limited Institutional Funding

Several activities have depended heavily on the personal financial contributions of individual members. While this demonstrates commitment, it is not a sustainable institutional funding model.

16.7 Secretariat Capacity

The growing responsibilities of the Secretariat require additional administrative and financial support.

 

17.0 LESSONS LEARNT

17.1 Evidence-Based Advocacy Produces Greater Impact

The success of the soybean intervention demonstrated that well-researched policy submissions backed by data, implementation mechanisms and budgets can significantly increase the Forum's influence.

17.2 Small Initiatives Can Create Major Opportunities

The soybean intervention initially appeared to be a relatively focused assignment but developed into a major institutional opportunity.

17.3 Institutional Visibility Must Be Sustained

Participation in major events and strategic engagements should be complemented by continuous communication, policy submissions and stakeholder engagement.

17.4 Diplomatic Relationships Are Critical

The Forum's engagement with the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Benin demonstrated the importance of maintaining relationships with diplomatic and government institutions.

17.5 Financial Sustainability Is Fundamental

The Forum cannot effectively execute its mandate without a dependable financial base.

17.6 Internal Cohesion Is Essential

Cross-border organizations require effective mechanisms for managing disagreements and maintaining institutional unity.

 

18.0 PRIORITIES FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2026

18.1 Strengthen the Financial Base

·         Improve collection of member contributions.

·         Develop an external fundraising strategy.

·         Approach institutions and individuals capable of supporting the Forum.

·         Establish transparent financial reporting.

18.2 Strengthen the Secretariat

·         Improve administrative capacity.

·         Consider engaging additional administrative/bookkeeping support.

·         Clearly separate secretarial, financial and administrative responsibilities.

18.3 Institutionalize Regular Meetings

·         A fixed meeting calendar should be developed to ensure that the Forum does not experience prolonged periods without meetings.

18.4 Develop a Structured Advocacy Programme

·         The Forum should identify priority policy issues and prepare evidence-based advocacy papers similar to the soybean intervention.

18.5 Deepen Government Engagement

·         Federal Ministries

·         State Governments

·         Presidency

·         Office of the Vice President

·         Diplomatic missions

·         ECOWAS Commission

·         Relevant government agencies

18.6 Resolve the Benin Counterpart Dispute

·         An Arbitration/Reconciliation Committee should be constituted to engage all parties fairly and work toward a sustainable resolution.

18.7 Strengthen Youth and Professional Participation

·         The Forum should continue to attract younger professionals and individuals with relevant technical expertise.

18.8 Increase Public Visibility

·         The Secretariat should develop low-cost programmes, policy statements, stakeholder engagements and public-interest initiatives capable of maintaining the Forum's visibility.

 

19.0 RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNING BOARD

a. Approve the Half-Year Activity Report as the official institutional record for the first half of 2026.

b. Commend members who contributed their time, resources, expertise and personal funds to the Forum's activities.

c. Strengthen the Forum's financial framework and enforce agreed contribution mechanisms.

d. Approve a structured fundraising strategy targeting government, development partners, private-sector organizations and philanthropists.

e. Approve the establishment of a formal Arbitration/Reconciliation Committee for the Benin Republic counterpart matter.

f. Direct the Secretariat to develop a second-half activity calendar with clear timelines and responsible persons.

g. Approve enhanced engagement with diplomatic and government institutions in Nigeria and Benin.

h. Encourage the preparation of additional policy papers on issues of strategic importance to Nigeria–Benin relations.

i. Strengthen the Secretariat's administrative capacity through appropriate staffing and financial support.j3. Encourage regular Board and general meetings to ensure effective oversight and implementation.

j. Develop a membership engagement strategy to improve participation and retain active members.

k. Establish a system for documenting the Forum's achievements, including policy interventions, stakeholder meetings, diplomatic engagements and media/public visibility.

 

20.0 CONCLUSION

The first half of 2026 was a period of institutional consolidation, advocacy, regional engagement and emerging visibility for the Nigeria–Benin Advocacy for Development Forum.

The Forum demonstrated that it can make substantive contributions to national and regional policy discussions. Its intervention on the soybean sector, participation in election observation activities in the Republic of Benin, engagement with diplomatic stakeholders and continued advocacy on Nigeria–Benin relations all represent important milestones.

The Forum's growing profile, however, also creates an obligation to strengthen its internal systems.

The principal priorities going forward must therefore be financial sustainability, regular member participation, stronger Secretariat capacity, institutional discipline, structured government engagement, effective cross-border coordination and continued evidence-based advocacy.

The experience of the soybean intervention is particularly instructive. It demonstrated that when the Forum mobilizes the expertise of its members around a clearly defined issue, it can produce work of sufficient quality to attract the attention of senior government and institutional stakeholders.

The Board is therefore invited to take note of the achievements and challenges contained in this report and to provide the necessary policy direction and approvals required to consolidate the gains of the first half of 2026 and position the NBADF for a more impactful second half of the year.

 

 

Mr. Emmanuel Essien

General Secretary

Nigeria–Benin Advocacy for Development Forum (NBADF)

 

 

— END OF REPORT —