United States lawmakers on Wednesday revisited worries about religious freedom in Nigeria during a congressional hearing held in Washington, DC.
The session focused on countries where lawmakers believe religious liberty is under threat — a description Nigerian authorities have strongly rejected.
Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa subcommittee, cited Genocide Watch in describing Nigeria as “a killing field of defenceless Christians.”
Smith welcomed the decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), calling it a correction in US foreign policy.
“That wrong in our foreign policy has been righted with the President’s CPC designation. We commend and thank him for that action,” he said.
While acknowledging what he called “small steps” taken by Nigeria to improve religious freedom, Smith criticised recent lobbying efforts aimed at influencing the US government.
In December, Nigeria signed a $9 million contract with lobbying firm DCI Group to help communicate its efforts to protect Christians. Around the same time, Matthew Tonlagha, vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, hired Valcour Global Public Strategy for $120,000 a month to strengthen US-Nigeria relations.
Smith argued the agreements showed that “a culture of denial” remains among Nigerian officials.
“I am deeply concerned that Nigeria has hired the K-Street lobbying firm DCI to the tune of $9 million… and a Nigerian billionaire has entered into a $120,000-a-month contract with Valcour to influence Congress and the Executive Branch,” he said.
He accused the firms of producing polished talking points that downplay the seriousness of the situation.
Another lawmaker, Joaquin Castro, questioned the effectiveness of US actions in Nigeria last year, accusing the Trump administration of using the banner of “protecting Christians” while cutting assistance that could address discrimination against religious communities.
Lawmakers also debated Nigeria’s CPC redesignation, with some arguing it amounts to little more than a “name and shame” approach without direct impact.
[The Cables]
