US Lawmakers Criticize Nigeria's Religious Freedom Record, Slam $9M Lobbying Deal

US lawmakers, during a congressional hearing in Washington D.C., renewed criticism of Nigeria's human rights record, particularly focusing on religious freedom violations. The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, cited Genocide Watch's description of Nigeria and acknowledged some small steps taken by the Nigerian government to improve religious freedom.

However, he criticized a $9 million lobbying deal signed in December 2025 involving Matthew Tonlagha and Valcour Global Public Strategy to influence US perceptions of Nigeria's religious freedom record. Lawmakers debated the implications of the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the US government, with some dismissing it as a mere symbolic gesture without real policy consequences.

Representative Joaquin Castro accused the Trump administration of hypocrisy in its policies towards Nigeria, emphasizing the need to protect Christians and address religious discrimination.