• Senate pass strict laws against money laundering and terrorism
• JD Vance threaten to deport international students if their stay is not in USA’s best interest
• NSIA and other firms create a $500m fund to sponsor renewable energy in Nigeria
• Tinubu responds to accusations, claims he is not a religious bigot
• Judge dismisses suit against Wike from stopping the arrest of transactional sex workers in Abuja

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Senate pass strict laws against money laundering and terrorism 

The House of Representatives has enacted the Insurance Reforms Bill, requiring all insurance companies in Nigeria to adhere to the Know Your Customer (KYC) policy. This measure is part of a broader effort to curb terrorism financing and money laundering.

The bill, introduced by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, was initially approved by the Senate on December 18, 2024, before receiving final approval in the House on Wednesday.

Clause 202 of the legislation sets strict measures against money laundering, terrorism financing, and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

Additionally, Subsection 2 of Clause 202 grants the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) the authority to establish regulations, policies, and guidelines to combat financial crimes in alignment with international standards.

JD Vance threaten to deport international students if their stay is not in USA’s best interest

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has stated that immigrants on student visas could face deportation if the government deems their presence not to be in the country’s best interest.

He noted that deportation figures are expected to increase as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies efforts to remove illegal migrants.

When asked whether the policy would impact legally admitted international students, Vance confirmed it would, describing the move as a security measure.

“We will certainly see some individuals on student visas deported if we determine their stay does not serve the best interest of the United States,” he said.

NSIA and other firms create a $500m fund to sponsor renewable energy in Nigeria 

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and Africa50 have established a $500 million fund to support the development and financing of distributed renewable energy (DRE) projects in Nigeria.

A statement released on Friday, March 14, announced that NSIA, SEforALL, and Africa50 signed the fund’s heads of terms agreement during the SEforALL Global Forum in Barbados.

The fund is designed to secure financing by offering specialized financial instruments and attracting private-sector investments. It also aims to address key challenges, including currency fluctuations, tariff structures, and the limited availability of local currency financing.

Tinubu responds to accusations, claims he is not a religious bigot 

President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the need for Nigeria to progress beyond religious divisions.

Speaking in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House, led by conference president Lucius Ugorji, Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians are experiencing due to ongoing economic reforms. He stressed that these measures are essential for building a resilient nation and ensuring a better future for future generations.

“This insecurity affects everyone, both Christians and Muslims. I have no religious bias and will not be a bigot. My wife is a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church,” Tinubu stated.

Judge dismisses suit against Wike from stopping the arrest of transactional sex workers in Abuja

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled on a case challenging the arrest and prosecution of commercial sex workers in the capital.

The judge dismissed the lawsuit filed against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

The plaintiff had asked the court to determine whether the AEPB’s responsibilities under Section 6 of the AEPB Act, 1997, include the harassment, arrest, detention, and prosecution of women suspected of engaging in sex work on Abuja’s streets.

“These women, on whose behalf the applicant filed this suit, should be referred to by the proper term—‘prostitutes’—and their occupation as ‘prostitution.’ This court questions whether prostitution has now been legalized in the Federal Capital Territory,” Justice Omotosho remarked.