A fresh political battle is emerging between Washington and Abuja following the introduction of a new bill in the United States Congress seeking to prohibit paid lobbying on behalf of the Nigerian government while Nigeria remains designated as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom.
The announcement was made by Von Batten Montague York, L.C., which disclosed that US Congressman Barry Moore had introduced H.R. 10939, a proposed legislation targeting compensated lobbying activities carried out for the Nigerian government.
The bill seeks to prevent the Nigerian government from hiring and paying lobbyists to influence American policymakers for as long as the United States maintains Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern designation.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record, religious freedom situation and security challenges, particularly allegations of attacks against Christian communities.
In its statement, Von Batten Montague York welcomed the legislative move and referenced concerns previously raised by US Senator Ted Cruz over the Nigerian government’s handling of criticism from American officials.
The organisation maintained that rather than adequately addressing concerns raised in Washington, Nigerian officials allegedly embarked on public relations efforts aimed at discrediting critics of the Tinubu administration.
It further alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s government and individuals acting on its behalf launched a smear campaign against its founder, Dr. Von Batten.
The organisation also expressed satisfaction with what it described as growing dissatisfaction with Tinubu within the US Congress and the White House.
Among the serious allegations raised in its statement were claims involving alleged heroin trafficking, complicity in violence against innocent Christians and Muslims in Northern Nigeria, widespread corruption and alleged assassination plots targeting opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
It also accused the Nigerian electoral system of serious irregularities, making allegations of election manipulation and claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission used artificial intelligence to generate fake voters.
The introduction of H.R. 10939 marks another development in the growing diplomatic scrutiny surrounding Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.
Nigeria was designated a Country of Particular Concern by US President Donald Trump on October 31, 2025, over concerns about religious freedom. The designation has intensified discussions between both countries over religious violence, security and government accountability.
H.R. 10939 was introduced on October 29, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Its introduction does not mean it has become law.
The proposed legislation could place additional restrictions on the Nigerian government’s ability to use paid lobbying firms to influence American political discussions for the duration of the designation.
The latest development adds to mounting international attention on the Tinubu administration as concerns over religious freedom, insecurity, corruption allegations and democratic accountability continue to feature in discussions between Nigeria and its international partners.
