US Congress Panel Slams FG’s $9m Lobbying Deal
A panel of the United States Congress has sharply criticized the Federal Government’s $9 million lobbying contract, warning that the deal appears designed to downplay serious allegations of religious freedom abuses and human rights violations in Nigeria.
The criticism came during a congressional hearing focused on global religious freedom, where lawmakers and expert witnesses raised concerns about Nigeria’s worsening security situation and the treatment of religious minorities. Members of the panel questioned why the Nigerian government would spend millions of dollars on lobbying efforts in Washington rather than addressing the root causes of violence and rights abuses at home.
According to the panel, the lobbying agreement risks undermining credible reports from international human rights organizations documenting attacks on religious communities, particularly in parts of northern and central Nigeria. Lawmakers argued that attempts to “rebrand” Nigeria’s image abroad cannot substitute for concrete action to protect citizens and hold perpetrators accountable.
One lawmaker described the deal as “deeply troubling,” adding that it sends the wrong signal at a time when victims of violence are seeking justice and protection. The panel warned that such lobbying efforts could erode trust between Nigeria and its international partners, especially if they are perceived as efforts to obscure facts rather than confront them.
Experts testifying before the panel emphasized that Nigeria remains a strategic partner of the United States but stressed that the relationship must be grounded in transparency and respect for human rights. They called on the Nigerian government to prioritize reforms, strengthen the rule of law, and ensure accountability for security forces and non-state actors alike.
The Federal Government has previously defended its engagement with foreign lobbyists as part of broader diplomatic outreach and image management. However, the congressional panel urged U.S. authorities to scrutinize the deal closely and ensure that American foreign policy does not inadvertently legitimize or excuse human rights violations.
The panel concluded by reaffirming its commitment to monitoring developments in Nigeria and supporting measures that promote genuine peace, religious freedom, and human dignity.
