US lawmaker criticises Nigerian govt’s $9million lobbying deal to influence Congress

A member of the United States House of Representatives, Chris Smith, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s engagement of high-profile lobbying firms in Washington, warning that the contracts could further complicate diplomatic relations between both countries.

Smith said Nigeria had retained DCI Group, a K Street lobbying firm, under a contract reportedly valued at $9 million, translating to about $750,000 monthly.

The lawmaker also alleged that a Nigerian billionaire had separately entered into a $120,000-per-month lobbying contract with Valcour to influence the United States Congress and the executive branch.

He said: “I’m deeply concerned that Nigeria has hired the K Street lobbying firm, DCI, to the tune of $9 million, $750,000 a month.

“And a Nigerian billionaire has entered into a $120,000 a month contract with the Valcour to influence Congress & the executive branch.”

DCI Group is a well-known lobbying and strategic communications firm with deep ties to US policymakers, often engaged by foreign governments and multinational corporations seeking to shape legislation, foreign policy decisions and public opinion in Washington.

Valcour, a government relations firm, has similarly worked with international clients on congressional outreach and executive-branch engagement.

Smith’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record, democratic institutions and security challenges, issues that have increasingly shaped conversations on Capitol Hill and within the US State Department.

Nigeria–US relations, historically anchored on security cooperation, trade and democratic governance, have faced growing strain in recent years, with lawmakers and advocacy groups calling for stronger accountability measures against Nigerian officials accused of rights abuses.

Smith has been one of the most vocal US lawmakers on Nigeria, repeatedly urging tougher congressional oversight and policy actions related to governance and human rights in the country.