FG’s $9m US lobby deal not criminal act — NIPR president

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) president, Dr Ike Neliaku, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to engage lobbying services in the United States, insisting that lobbying was a legitimate public relations function rather than a criminal act. Opposition parties and some Nigerians have criticised the President Bola Tinubu administration’s approval of a $9 […]

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) president, Dr Ike Neliaku, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to engage lobbying services in the United States, insisting that lobbying was a legitimate public relations function rather than a criminal act.

Opposition parties and some Nigerians have criticised the President Bola Tinubu administration’s approval of a $9 million contract for lobbying in the United States, describing the expenditure as a case of misplaced priorities.

They argued that the funds could have been better deployed at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising insecurity, inflation and worsening economic hardship.

Responding to the criticism, Neliaku said lobbying is a recognised component of public relations practice and should not be misconstrued as an illicit or criminal activity.

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He spoke at the presentation of the First Nigeria Reputation Perception Index Report 2025, organised by NIPR at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

He maintained that such engagements are commonly used by governments to advance national interests and improve international perception.

He said, “Many are asking why we should hire lobbyists. Lobbying is a public relations function. So it is not a criminal thing to do. But the important thing is that those we are hiring to lobby for us will soon be coming here from 126 countries (for the World Public Relations Forum 2026) and that is the greatest lobby we can do.”.

Meanwhile, the Senate assured that Nigeria is making deliberate efforts to rebuild its global reputation, describing national image as a strategic asset in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, commended the report’s data-driven framework for assessing Nigeria’s image across key sectors such as governance, the economy, security, institutions, culture and innovation.

He said credible and independent assessments were essential for effective lawmaking and oversight, noting that evidence-based reports empower legislators to draft responsive laws, strengthen institutions and demand accountability.

However, he stressed that national reputation must reflect lived realities, shaped by leadership quality, institutional integrity, policy consistency and citizens’ daily experiences, pledging legislative support for reforms that promote transparency, unity and social justice.

President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, Joe Keshi, cautioned against confusing public relations with propaganda, warning that Nigeria’s global image had declined significantly. He described national reputation as a valuable but fragile asset influenced by governance, leadership and diplomatic credibility.