US Congressman Barry Moore introduces bill to block payments to lobbyists representing Nigerian government

A United States Congressman, Barry Moore, has introduced a bill seeking to stop American lobbying firms from receiving payments to represent the Nigerian government while the country remains designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

The proposed legislation, identified as H.R. 10939, seeks to prohibit individuals and firms in the United States from accepting payments to lobby on behalf of the Nigerian government until the CPC designation is lifted. It also proposes sanctions against lobbying firms found to have collected such payments during the restricted period.

Moore said the Nigerian government had spent millions of dollars engaging lobbyists in Washington to counter criticism over alleged attacks on Christians, rather than addressing the violence.

“For too long, the Nigerian government has paid high-priced lobbyists in Washington to cover up the persecution of Christians while doing little to stop it. This bill will end that,” the congressman said.

The proposed legislation comes amid growing concerns among some members of the US Congress over allegations of Christian persecution and religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

H.R. 10939 has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for consideration and further legislative action.