The opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC, has faulted the Federal Government’s approval of a nine-million-dollar contract for lobbying services in the United States, describing it as a misplaced attempt to polish Nigeria’s image abroad amid worsening economic hardship and insecurity at home.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the expenditure reflects a disconnect from the realities Nigerians are facing, arguing that no amount of paid lobbying can obscure what it described as government failure to protect lives and property.
The party acknowledged the importance of international engagement but questioned the justification for committing what it called an excessive sum to a short-term public relations exercise, noting that such spending is unprecedented among African governments facing similar domestic challenges.
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Bolaji Abdullahi also criticised the administration for allegedly outsourcing diplomacy to foreign lobbyists while key ambassadorial positions remain vacant, warning that the move undermines Nigeria’s institutional credibility and reduces foreign policy to what he termed transactional propaganda.
The ADC further expressed concern over the framing of the lobbying contract as an effort to “communicate Christian protection,” cautioning that such messaging could heighten sectarian tensions and politicise security in a country already burdened by religious and ethnic divisions.
The party insisted that Nigeria’s immediate need is not international image management but decisive leadership, urging the government to prioritise the protection of citizens, restoration of public trust, and rebuilding of institutions over what it described as cosmetic diplomacy.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
