US lawmaker criticises Nigeria’s $9m lobbying deal, cites ‘culture of denial’ over religious freedom concerns

US lawmakers renewed scrutiny of religious freedom in Nigeria at a congressional hearing in Washington on Wednesday, revisiting allegations the Nigerian government has consistently rejected.

The session reviewed countries lawmakers believe face serious threats to religious liberty. Nigeria featured prominently in the discussion, with members referencing reports from advocacy groups that describe ongoing violence against Christian communities.

Chris Smith, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, cited Genocide Watch in describing Nigeria as “a killing field of defenceless Christians”. He praised the recent decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), saying it corrected what he viewed as a gap in US foreign policy.

Smith acknowledged what he called “small steps” by Nigerian authorities to address religious tensions but criticised recent efforts by Nigerian interests to engage US lobbying firms.

In December, the Nigerian government signed a $9 million contract with Washington-based lobbying firm DCI Group. The firm’s mandate includes communicating Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities to US officials.

Around the same time, Matthew Tonlagha, vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, retained Valcour Global Public Strategy in a $120,000-per-month agreement described as aimed at strengthening US–Nigeria relations.

Smith argued that the contracts signalled “a culture of denial by Nigerian officials”.

He said the firms were being hired to present polished arguments that downplay the severity of religious violence, adding that their advocacy risked shaping perceptions in Washington without addressing underlying concerns.

Another lawmaker, Joaquin Castro, questioned the impact of US military actions in Nigeria last year. He said the Trump administration had framed some of its actions as protecting Christians while reducing assistance programmes that could help tackle discrimination and intercommunal tensions.

Lawmakers also debated the practical effect of Nigeria’s CPC redesignation. Some described it as largely symbolic, serving to draw attention without triggering direct penalties. Others said the label remained important in keeping Nigeria’s religious freedom record under international scrutiny.