United States lawmakers have sharply criticised the Nigerian government over reports that it spent up to $9 million on lobbying firms in Washington, accusing Abuja of prioritising image management abroad over addressing worsening insecurity and religious persecution at home.
The criticism was voiced during a US congressional hearing on international religious freedom, where members of the House of Representatives expressed concern that Nigeria was allegedly funding lobbyists to downplay the scale of violence and persecution in the country.
During the hearing, lawmakers referenced the International Religious Freedom Act, enacted in 1998, stressing its continued relevance and warning against ignoring signs of escalating abuse.
“We can’t take our eyes off this,” one lawmaker said, noting that the legislation had made a significant global impact, including in Nigeria.
The chairman of the subcommittee was particularly critical of Nigeria’s spending priorities, disclosing details of the lobbying arrangements.
“I’m deeply concerned that Nigeria has hired the K Street lobbying firm DCI to the tune of $9 million about $750,000 a month while a Nigerian billionaire has reportedly entered into a $120,000-per-month contract with BALCORP to influence Congress and the executive branch,” the chairman said.
Another lawmaker warned that such lobbying efforts were a familiar tactic used by governments accused of human rights violations to sanitise their international image.
“They hire these firms to say there’s nothing to see here,” he said, drawing parallels with past regimes accused of persecuting religious groups while maintaining favourable narratives abroad.
Adding a personal reflection, one member of the panel criticised lobbying firms for prioritising clients over victims, urging greater advocacy for freedom and an end to religious persecution.
The chairman later thanked participants and handed proceedings to the ranking member, who acknowledged the importance of the testimonies presented during the hearing.
The hearing highlights growing frustration in Washington over Nigeria’s handling of insecurity and violence linked to religious persecution, raising fresh questions about the government’s decision to invest heavily in foreign lobbying rather than strengthening protection for its citizens at home.
