PDP Criticises Federal Government Over $9m Foreign Lobbying Contract

The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised the Federal Government over a $9 million contract awarded to a United States-based lobbying firm to manage Nigeria’s international image.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the opposition party described the contract as inappropriate and lacking transparency.

The party questioned why the government would outsource image management to a foreign firm despite maintaining a fully staffed Ministry of Information and multiple media units across government agencies.

According to the PDP, the decision reflects a lack of confidence in existing public communication structures within the administration.

The party cited filings with the United States Department of Justice indicating that the contract was facilitated through a Nigerian law firm on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The agreement, reportedly set to run for an initial six months with an automatic renewal clause, is aimed at communicating government actions relating to the protection of Christian communities in Nigeria.

The PDP demanded clarification on whether the contract was captured in the national budget, the legal basis for engaging a private law firm, and the performance benchmarks attached to the agreement.

The party argued that Nigeria’s global image cannot be improved through lobbying without tangible improvements in governance and security conditions at home.

It urged the government to prioritise addressing insecurity and protecting lives and property, stating that these factors ultimately shape international perception.