U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has accused the Nigerian government of prioritizing public relations over addressing insecurity, particularly violence affecting religious communities.
Cruz criticized Nigeria’s decision to hire a U.S.-based lobbying firm to communicate its security efforts, describing it as an attempt to deflect international concerns. His remarks follow reports that Nigeria engaged DCI Group in a multi-million-dollar contract to improve its image in Washington regarding the protection of Christians.
The senator, who previously introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, said Nigerian officials should focus on tackling violence rather than “waging a public relations campaign.”
His comments come amid growing pressure from U.S. lawmakers, including a recent move by the House of Representatives to consider stricter conditions on assistance to Nigeria until measurable progress is made in addressing insecurity.
Nigeria has consistently denied allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that violence in the country is driven by a complex mix of insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts affecting both Christians and Muslims.
Separately, former APC spokesperson Timi Frank accused the presidency of misleading the public over a reported letter from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Frank described the letter as routine diplomatic correspondence, not an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Recent reports indicate that the letter praised Nigeria’s cooperation with the U.S. on security, reflecting ongoing bilateral efforts to combat militant threats.
The developments highlight rising international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, alongside deepening diplomatic engagement between both countries.
