Ted Cruz Critiques Nigeria's Lobbying Amid Christian Killings

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has accused the Nigerian federal government of hiring public relations lobbyists to mask the ongoing killings of Christians in the country.

This criticism comes as Nigeria celebrates a letter from President Donald Trump commending its efforts to tackle insecurity. Cruz expressed disappointment over Nigeria's $9 million contract with DCI Group, a U.S.-based lobbying firm, which was initiated in December 2022, shortly after Trump designated Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern’.

The contract was arranged by Aster Legal on behalf of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Cruz, who proposed the ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025’ in October, stated that the legislation aims to hold Nigerian officials accountable for facilitating violence against Christians.

He highlighted a recent U.S. House of Representatives amendment that would increase assistance withholding to Nigeria until effective measures against violence are implemented.

Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa subcommittee, also criticized Nigeria's lobbying efforts, indicating a persistent culture of denial among Nigerian officials.