United States lawmakers on Wednesday renewed criticism of Nigeria’s human rights record, raising fresh concerns over religious freedom violations and the Nigerian government’s lobbying efforts in Washington.
During a Congressional hearing held in Washington, D.C., Nigeria was prominently featured among countries where religious liberty is said to be under threat, a characterisation Nigerian authorities have previously rejected.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Chris Smith, did not mince words, 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 Biden 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.
The hearing took a sharp turn toward Nigeria’s lobbying efforts in the United States. 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.
He said, “I am deeply concerned that Nigeria has hired the K-Street lobbying firm DCI to the tune of $9 million… and a Nigerian billionaire has entered into a $120,000-a-month contract with Valcour to influence Congress and the Executive Branch.
“They hire these firms; they come up with their very well-written talking points to say nothing to see here… and unfortunately, these firms are just so good at advocating for their client for religious freedom.”
Lawmakers Divided Over CPC Designation Impact
During the session, members of Congress debated the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) label recently reimposed on Nigeria by the U.S. government.
Some lawmakers dismissed the designation as mere “name and shame” without real policy consequences, while others argued it served to refocus global attention on Nigeria’s religious freedom issues.
In his remarks, Rep. Joaquin Castro accused the Trump administration of hypocrisy in its policy towards Nigeria, claiming that while it cited the need to protect Christians, it cut developmental assistance meant to address systemic religious discrimination.
“They struck under the front of protecting Christians but cut assistance that would actually address discrimination against religious communities,” he said.