• US warns Nigerians against visa misuse for birthright citizenship
• FG may re-privatise power DisCos over poor performance
• Super Falcons receive national honours and ₦4.95bn reward for WAFCON victory
• Amnesty International slams FG over Zamfara killings, insecurity
• NCDC reports 152 Lassa Fever deaths in 2025, higher fatality rate recorded

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

US warns Nigerians against visa misuse for birthright citizenship

The United States has issued a warning to Nigerians intending to travel primarily to give birth and secure American citizenship for their children. The US embassy in Nigeria announced that such visa applications will be denied if officials suspect the trip is motivated by “birth tourism.”

This renewed advisory is part of broader efforts to curb visa misuse and enforce stricter immigration controls. The embassy clarified that travelling solely to give birth in the US is not allowed under visa regulations, and consular officers are instructed to reject such applications.

The appeal of birthright citizenship lies in the long-term benefits it offers, such as the right to live and work in the US, access to quality education, and the ability to sponsor relatives.

FG may re-privatise power DisCos over poor performance

The Federal Government is considering re-privatising Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies if they fail to inject fresh capital into the sector within 12 months. This move is part of the proposed Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which is currently before the National Assembly.

The amendment, sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, aims to address key regulatory gaps in the 2023 Electricity Act. It proposes that underperforming core investors risk losing their stakes through share dilution, receivership, or outright re-privatisation if they don’t meet performance benchmarks.

The bill, which has passed its second reading, is still under legislative review. If passed into law, the reforms would take effect immediately upon presidential assent, signalling a significant shift in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Super Falcons receive national honours and ₦4.95bn reward for WAFCON victory

President Bola Tinubu has honoured the Super Falcons with the national title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a ₦4.602 billion cash reward following their 2024 WAFCON victory in Morocco. The celebration took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

In addition to the federal government’s reward, the Nigerian Governors Forum contributed ₦350 million to the team, bringing the total financial gift to ₦4.952 billion. This reward was given to all 24 players and 11 members of the technical crew.

The Super Falcons made history by winning the WAFCON championship for a record 10th time, defeating host nation Morocco 3-2 after an impressive comeback in the final match at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.

Amnesty International slams FG over Zamfara killings, insecurity

Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian government over rising insecurity in Zamfara State, saying persistent attacks and abductions have turned life into a nightmare for villagers. The organisation cited the recent killing of 38 kidnapped residents from Banga village in Kauran Namoda as evidence of the government’s failure to protect lives.

Amnesty highlighted the grim toll of the crisis, revealing that over the past two years, more than 273 people have been killed and 467 abducted in the state. It also said bandits have taken control of 529 villages, displacing residents in 481 communities across 13 local government areas.

Amnesty criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its silence and continued inability to end the violence. The group called on authorities to take action to end the bloodshed and restore peace in Zamfara.

NCDC reports 152 Lassa Fever deaths in 2025, higher fatality rate recorded

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 152 deaths from Lassa fever within the first 28 weeks of 2025, showing a rise in the case fatality rate to 18.7%, up from 17.3% during the same period in 2024.

According to its latest situation report shared on Monday, the agency recorded 811 confirmed cases and over 6,520 suspected infections across 21 states and 105 local government areas.

States with the highest number of cases include Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, indicating concentrated outbreaks in these regions.