Congressman Barry Moore Proposes Lobbying Ban for Nigeria

Congressman Barry Moore has introduced a bill, H.R. 10939, aimed at banning the Nigerian government from hiring lobbyists in the United States as long as Nigeria remains designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). This legislative move is in response to increasing concerns in the US Congress regarding alleged genocide and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The bill stipulates that any lobbying firm that accepts payment to lobby for Nigeria while it is on the CPC list will face sanctions. Moore criticized the Nigerian government for spending millions on lobbyists in Washington to obscure the persecution of Christians while failing to take action to prevent such violence.

He stated, “For too long, the Nigerian government has paid high-priced lobbyists in Washington to cover up the persecution of Christians while doing little to stop it.” If passed, the bill would make it illegal for any person or firm in the US to receive compensation for lobbying on behalf of the Nigerian government until the CPC designation is lifted. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for further action.