United States lawmakers have raised concerns over a $9 million lobbying contract signed by the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu, questioning the purpose and timing of the deal amid ongoing security and human rights challenges in the country.
The issue came up during a joint hearing of the US House Subcommittee on Africa and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, which focused on religious freedom around the world. The session reviewed Nigeria’s security situation and recent actions taken by both the Nigerian and US governments.
Lawmakers and expert witnesses discussed Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the US International Religious Freedom Act, a move taken in October 2025 following years of deadly attacks affecting religious communities. Some members of Congress expressed worry that the lobbying contract appeared designed to weaken the impact of that designation.
The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee said he was uneasy about Nigeria engaging US lobbying firms at a time when violence against civilians, especially in rural areas, remained unresolved. He also pointed to separate lobbying efforts involving private Nigerian interests seeking to influence US policy decisions.
Other lawmakers questioned the broader US approach to Nigeria, noting that while concerns over religious violence were being raised, US foreign aid to Nigeria had been reduced. They said funding cuts had affected programmes meant to support peacebuilding, faith leaders, and communities impacted by conflict.
Some participants warned against viewing Nigeria’s crisis strictly through a religious lens, stating that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims and is driven by multiple factors, including terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and weak governance.
Experts at the hearing also raised doubts about the effectiveness of military responses, arguing that such actions could worsen instability if not paired with social and humanitarian support. They added that the cost of recent military operations likely exceeded funding previously allocated to peace and interfaith initiatives.
The discussion also touched on whether Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern status would lead to real consequences. Some lawmakers argued that the label alone was not enough and should be backed by targeted sanctions and economic measures to push for accountability.
Nigeria’s Federal Government has rejected claims of genocide against Christians, stating that while security problems persist, they are not based on religion. Despite disagreements, US Africa Command recently carried out airstrikes against terrorist targets in Sokoto State in cooperation with Nigerian authorities.
Documents later showed that Nigeria entered into the $9 million lobbying agreement with a US-based firm in December 2025 to present its efforts on security and religious protection to the US government. The contract was signed on behalf of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser.
The hearing ended with lawmakers expressing deep scepticism about Nigeria’s leadership and calling for stronger actions to protect civilians and address the root causes of violence across the country.
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