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A fresh diplomatic controversy has emerged following a recommendation by lawmakers in the United States urging Nigeria to repeal Sharia law and blasphemy statutes operating in parts of the country. The move has triggered strong reactions across religious, political and civil society groups in Nigeria, with many describing it as an intrusion into domestic affairs.

U.S. Lawmakers’ Position

The recommendation is contained in a recent report linked to the U.S. Congress, which focuses on alleged violations of religious freedom, particularly the persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria.

According to the report, Sharia-based criminal codes and anti-blasphemy laws are said to have been used in ways that disadvantage religious minorities. U.S. lawmakers therefore called for:

The repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws in Nigeria’s northern states;

Possible sanctions or visa restrictions against officials found complicit in religious persecution;

Conditioning aspects of U.S. assistance on measurable improvements in religious freedom and human rights.

The report argues that such steps would promote equality before the law and help curb sectarian violence.

Nigerian Government Response

Nigeria’s Federal Government has pushed back against the recommendation, stressing that the country operates a federal system in which states are constitutionally empowered to adopt certain legal frameworks.

Officials maintain that Nigeria has no official policy of religious persecution, insisting that insecurity in many regions is largely driven by terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts rather than state-endorsed religious laws. Abuja has also reiterated that issues relating to Sharia law fall strictly within Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Reactions from Religious Bodies

Islamic leaders have strongly rejected the U.S. call, warning that external pressure on such a sensitive issue could inflame religious tensions. The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs described the recommendation as an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order and cultural realities.

On the Christian side, the Christian Association of Nigeria adopted a more cautious tone, warning that abrupt foreign-driven changes to Sharia and blasphemy laws could destabilise the country. CAN urged that any reform should emerge through inclusive national dialogue and constitutional processes rather than international pressure.

Broader Implications

The controversy comes amid heightened global attention on Nigeria’s security challenges and religious diversity. Analysts note that while concerns about human rights and religious freedom are legitimate, externally imposed solutions risk worsening internal divisions in a deeply plural society.

Conclusion

The U.S. push to scrap Sharia law in Nigeria has opened a wider debate on sovereignty, federalism and religious coexistence. While Washington frames its position around human rights protection, Nigerian stakeholders across religious lines insist that lasting solutions must be home-grown, constitutional and sensitive to the country’s complex social fabric.

Nigeria has secured a $6.2 million arbitration victory against a European technology firm, marking a significant legal and financial win for the country in an international commercial dispute.

According to a report by Vanguard, the arbitral tribunal ruled in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria, ordering the foreign tech company to pay damages amounting to $6.2 million for breach of contractual obligations.

The dispute arose from a technology-related contract in which the company allegedly failed to meet agreed deliverables and performance standards, despite receiving substantial payments. Nigeria subsequently sought redress through international arbitration after negotiations failed to resolve the matter.

Government sources familiar with the case said the ruling validates Nigeria’s position and reinforces the country’s commitment to protecting public funds and enforcing accountability in contracts involving foreign partners. The award also includes costs and penalties, underscoring the tribunal’s finding that the claims against the company were well-founded.

Legal experts say the judgment sends a strong signal to international contractors operating in Nigeria that contractual breaches will be challenged, regardless of the scale or global standing of the firms involved. It also highlights Nigeria’s growing use of arbitration and international legal frameworks to resolve commercial disputes.

The win comes at a time when Nigeria is working to improve investor confidence, strengthen governance in public procurement, and reduce losses arising from poorly executed contracts. Officials say proceeds from the award are expected to be recovered in line with international enforcement procedures.

In summary, the $6.2 million arbitration victory represents both a financial gain and a reputational boost for Nigeria, reinforcing the government’s resolve to defend national interests and uphold contractual discipline in dealings with foreign technology companies.

Dollar hoarders in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market are reassessing their positions as the naira records sustained gains, weakening the long-held strategy of holding the United States dollar as a safe hedge against currency depreciation.

A recent report by BusinessDay notes that the naira’s rally has altered market sentiment, prompting corporates, investors and individuals to offload dollar holdings amid rising confidence in the local currency. The strengthening naira has reduced speculative gains from dollar hoarding, especially as exchange rate differentials between official and parallel markets continue to narrow.

Market analysts attribute the shift largely to reforms introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, including improved transparency in foreign exchange trading and tighter oversight that has curtailed arbitrage opportunities. The introduction of electronic FX matching mechanisms has enhanced liquidity and restored a measure of confidence among market participants.

External reserves have also played a significant role in shaping sentiment. Nigeria’s reserves have climbed to multi-year highs, reinforcing the perception that the central bank is better positioned to defend the naira against volatility. As a result, holding dollars now carries the risk of capital erosion should the naira’s appreciation persist.

Corporate treasury managers quoted in the report disclosed that several firms have begun converting foreign currency balances back into naira, preferring to take advantage of higher yields on naira-denominated instruments rather than incur losses from an appreciating local currency.

Further supporting the naira outlook are expectations of increased foreign exchange inflows from the oil and gas value chain, particularly export receipts linked to the Dangote Refinery, which is projected to boost dollar supply into the formal market in 2026.

However, analysts caution that the shift may not be uniform. Many businesses are expected to retain dollar reserves for trade obligations, imports and external debt servicing. There are also concerns that renewed political or macroeconomic uncertainties could reverse current gains and reignite demand for the dollar as a hedge.

Despite these risks, the prevailing consensus is that Nigeria’s FX market dynamics are changing. With improving fundamentals, stronger reserves and policy reforms taking effect, dollar holders are increasingly rethinking a strategy that once seemed risk-free.

In summary, the naira’s renewed strength is reshaping behaviour in Nigeria’s FX market, challenging speculative dollar positions and signalling a cautious return of confidence in the local currency.

The Nigerian Naira has rallied impressively against the United States Dollar, reaching levels not seen in nearly two years across key foreign exchange markets, driven by stronger dollar inflows, policy reforms and rising external reserves.

Strongest FX Levels in Years

In the official foreign exchange market, the naira recently traded around ₦1,344 per US$1, reflecting a significant appreciation and improved market depth.

In the parallel (black) market, the local currency strengthened to approximately ₦1,380 per US$1, narrowing the differential between official and informal markets.

Drivers of the Appreciation

Several key factors have supported this strengthening narrative:

1. Improved Liquidity and Policy Reforms
   The Central Bank of Nigeria’s decisions—such as raising the weekly dollar limits that licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operators can access—have enhanced foreign exchange supply, reduced speculative pressures, and improved pricing transparency across FX markets.
2. Rising External Reserves
   Nigeria’s external reserves have climbed to multi-year highs (approaching or exceeding $47 billion–$48 billion), a factor analysts say boosts confidence and supports a stronger naira.
3. Enhanced FX Market Dynamics
   Market reforms—including greater participation by autonomous sources and improved transparency—have helped reduce distortions between official and parallel rates and encouraged greater investor confidence.

Expert Outlook and Forward Expectations

Financial experts remain cautiously optimistic about the naira’s trajectory:

Analysts and industry leaders suggest the currency could continue to strengthen if inflows remain robust and reforms are sustained.

Notably, prominent business figures have projected even stronger outcomes, with forecasts suggesting the naira could reach levels such as ₦1,100 per US$1 by year-end if current trends persist.

Market Nuances

While gains have been notable, short-term fluctuations persist due to changes in demand, especially in the informal FX markets. Recent sessions have shown some volatility, underlining that the currency’s path will continue to be sensitive to global dollar dynamics and domestic economic activity.

The United Kingdom has introduced stricter immigration and border control measures that are once again drawing attention to the legal status of so-called “UK-born aliens”—children born in Britain to foreign parents who are not automatically entitled to British citizenship.

The development follows new enforcement measures by the UK Home Office, alongside renewed public debate over nationality, travel documentation, and the rights of children born and raised in the UK.

No Automatic Citizenship for UK-Born Children

Under existing British nationality law, a child born in the UK is not automatically a British citizen unless at least one parent, at the time of birth, is:

A British citizen, or

A holder of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status.

Children born to parents on student, work, asylum, or temporary visas are legally classified as foreign nationals, despite being born on British soil—a situation commonly referred to as “UK-born aliens.”

New Border Rules Raise Fresh Concerns

From February 2026, the UK began enforcing stricter border checks requiring individuals who are British or claim British nationality to enter the country using a British passport or a certificate of entitlement. The policy is part of the government’s broader border digitisation programme.

While the rule primarily targets dual nationals, immigration advocates warn it could indirectly affect UK-born children of foreign parents who later acquire British citizenship but lack the required travel documents.

According to officials, airlines and transport operators now have powers to deny boarding to passengers unable to prove their right of entry before departure.

Costly Documentation and Family Anxiety

Families affected by the policy say the process of regularising children’s status remains expensive and complex, with citizenship registration and entitlement certificates running into hundreds of pounds.

Campaigners argue that the policy places an unfair burden on migrant families and risks leaving children—many of whom have lived their entire lives in the UK—legally vulnerable.

10-Year Residence Route Remains Key

Despite the controversy, one pathway remains critical:
A child born in the UK who has lived continuously for 10 years can register as a British citizen, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. The Home Office has recently re-emphasised this route in updated guidance, following criticism from rights groups.

Growing Calls for Reform

Human rights organisations and migrant advocacy groups are calling on the UK Government to reform nationality laws, arguing that children born and raised in Britain should not grow up without secure legal status.

They warn that failure to act could create a generation of young people who are British in identity but foreign in law.

Bottom Line

The latest rules have not changed the core nationality law, but they have tightened enforcement, increased documentation requirements, and reignited debate over the fate of thousands of UK-born children of foreign parents—many of whom face uncertainty about their future in the only country they know as home.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing electoral reforms and setting the legal framework for the 2027 general elections. The new law repeals and replaces the Electoral Act 2022, introducing notable adjustments aimed at improving efficiency, inclusiveness, and electoral credibility.

Below are 20 important facts about the newly signed Electoral Act and what it means for Nigeria’s democracy:

1. The Electoral Act 2026 was signed into law on February 18, 2026 by President Bola Tinubu.
2. The Act replaces the Electoral Act 2022, which governed the 2023 general elections.
3. It provides the legal framework for the 2027 general elections and future polls.
4. The law was enacted following the passage of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill by the National Assembly.
5. One of the key changes is the adjustment of the election notice period.
6. The mandatory notice period for elections was reduced from 360 days to 300 days.
7. Lawmakers said the change would help prevent clashes with religious activities such as Ramadan.
8. The Act retains electronic transmission of election results as part of the electoral process.
9. It, however, allows manual transmission of results as a backup where technology fails.
10. This creates a hybrid system combining electronic and physical result management.
11. Physical result sheets, including Form EC8A, remain legally recognised.
12. The law reaffirms the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine appropriate voting technologies.
13. INEC is empowered to issue updated guidelines to implement the new Act.
14. The Act clarifies timelines for party primaries and candidate nominations.
15. It strengthens provisions for early release of election funds to INEC.
16. The law seeks to reduce legal ambiguities that often lead to prolonged election disputes.
17. Civil society groups have expressed mixed reactions, praising reforms while warning against loopholes.
18. Supporters argue the hybrid result system reflects Nigeria’s uneven digital infrastructure.
19. The Act reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to electoral reform ahead of 2027.
20. Overall, the new law is expected to significantly influence voter confidence and election administration.

With the signing of the Electoral Act 2026, attention now shifts to INEC and political stakeholders, as implementation and compliance will determine whether the reforms translate into more credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in 2027.