US congressman has expressed concern over a significant lobbying contract between the Nigerian government and a Washington-based firm, even as diplomatic attention on Nigeria rises following recent public acknowledgement of Nigeria’s First Lady by former US President Donald Trump, Peak Newspaper reports.
US Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) said on Friday that he is “deeply concerned” about Nigeria’s decision to retain DCI Group, a lobbying firm, under a contract worth $9 million — receiving $750 000 per month to advocate Nigeria’s interests in Washington. The remarks reflect broader scrutiny in Congress over foreign governments’ use of high-priced lobbying services to influence US policy debates.
Smith’s comments come in the same week that Trump publicly referenced Nigeria’s First Lady, generating media and diplomatic interest. Trump’s acknowledgement — framed by some observers as a sign of Nigeria’s geopolitical significance — contrasts with the criticism from US lawmakers over how Nigeria is choosing to shape its presence in Washington.
Supporters of the lobbying contract argue that engagement with US policymakers and opinion leaders is essential for advancing Nigerian priorities, including economic partnerships, security cooperation, and diaspora issues. Detractors like Rep. Smith counter that the cost and structure of the deal merit closer examination, especially at a time when Congress is debating foreign policy budgeting and transparency requirements.
A spokesperson for Nigeria’s embassy in Washington said the contract with DCI was part of a broader strategy to enhance cultural, economic, and security ties with the United States. They pointed to recent high-level exchanges, including the First Lady’s engagements, as evidence of deepening bilateral dialogue.
The debate highlights a tension in international diplomacy: how resource-constrained governments prioritise outreach in global capitals, and how influential figures’ public remarks — such as Trump’s acknowledgement — can amplify scrutiny back home.
Neither Rep. Smith nor representatives of DCI Group offered immediate comment on whether the criticism might affect ongoing work under the contract.
