United States lawmakers has raised fresh concerns over religious freedom violations in Nigeria and the Nigerian government’s lobbying efforts in Washington, which featured among countries where religious liberty is said to be under threat.
During a Congressional hearing held on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., the Lawmakers renewed criticism of Nigeria’s human rights record when the hearing took a sharp turn toward Nigeria’s lobbying efforts in the United States.
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Chris Smith, criticised the $9 million lobbying deal signed in December 2025 with DCI Group, a Washington-based public relations and lobbying firm, to influence U.S. perceptions on Nigeria’s religious freedom record.
Smith also cited another contract involving Matthew Tonlagha, vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, who reportedly hired Valcour Global Public Strategy at $120,000 per month to strengthen U.S.-Nigeria ties.
Citing Genocide Watch in his description of Nigeria. “Nigeria is a killing field of defenceless Christians,” Smith declared.
While he acknowledged what he described as “small steps” taken by the Nigerian government to improve religious freedom, Smith praised the recent decision by the Trump’s administration to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
“That wrong in our foreign policy has been righted with the President’s CPC designation. We commend and thank him for that action,” he added.
