A prominent Nigerian security consultant and public affairs analyst, Rev. Ladi Peter Thompson, has alleged that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spent approximately $150 million on lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., to counter potential intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump over the killings of Christians and the security situation in Nigeria.
Thompson made the claim during a recent interview, stating that the Nigerian government deployed significant funds to neutralize Trump’s interventions, which included tweets and public statements designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom violations and threatening further action. He referenced an official $10 million lobbying contract while estimating total expenditures at around $150 million.
“President Bola Tinubu pumped over $150 million into Washington to stop U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention in Nigeria,” Thompson asserted. He linked the alleged spending to efforts to deny claims of Christian genocide amid ongoing attacks by groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militants.
The allegation has sparked widespread discussions on social media and public platforms, highlighting tensions between the Nigerian government and U.S. concerns over religious persecution and insecurity. Public records reportedly confirm a lower-figure lobbying contract with a U.S. firm, but the $150 million figure remains unverified and has not been independently corroborated by official sources.
The Presidency has not issued an official response to these specific allegations as of this release. The Nigerian government has consistently maintained that it is actively combating terrorism and all forms of violence, rejecting any narrative of religious targeting, and has welcomed technical assistance from international partners while upholding national sovereignty.
This development comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, with thousands reported killed in various conflicts since 2023.