The criticism was expressed during a joint hearing of the US House Subcommittee on Africa and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, convened to discuss global religious freedom. Lawmakers questioned why Nigeria chose to spend millions of dollars on lobbying efforts rather than addressing the underlying security and governance challenges facing the country.
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, Chris Smith, disclosed that Nigeria had engaged DCI Group under a six-month contract valued at $9 million, amounting to about $750,000 per month, to influence US policymakers. He described the move as troubling, particularly in light of Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to persistent religious and communal violence.
Other lawmakers and witnesses at the hearing argued that lobbying campaigns cannot replace meaningful reforms on the ground. They urged Nigerian authorities to prioritise protecting vulnerable communities, strengthening accountability, and tackling insecurity, rather than focusing on reshaping international narratives.
The panel also referenced a separate lobbying arrangement reportedly linked to a Nigerian billionaire, which lawmakers said further raised questions about transparency and intent.
The lobbying contract, reportedly signed in December 2025 through Nigeria’s National Security Adviser’s office, was said to be aimed at presenting Nigeria’s efforts to the US government and preserving American security assistance. However, members of Congress insisted that sustained progress, not lobbying, would determine Nigeria’s standing in Washington.
Post a Comment