Not A Crime” — NIPR Defends FG’s $9m US Lobbying Deal

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has come to the defence of the Federal Government over its decision to engage lobbying services in the United States, stressing that the move does not amount to a criminal offence but is a recognised and legitimate public relations practice.

The clarification was given on Thursday by the President of the NIPR, Ike Neliaku, while speaking at the official presentation of the First Nigeria Reputation Perception Index Report 2025 held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

His remarks come amid growing criticism from opposition parties and civil society organisations following the approval of a $9 million lobbying contract by the Bola Tinubu administration. Critics have questioned the timing of the expenditure, arguing that it reflects misplaced priorities at a period when many Nigerians are facing worsening insecurity, inflation and economic hardship.

Addressing the concerns, Neliaku maintained that lobbying is a globally accepted component of public relations and should not be interpreted as an illegal activity. He explained that governments across the world routinely engage professional lobbyists to shape international perception and strengthen diplomatic and economic engagements.

He further noted that Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from direct international interactions, particularly ahead of the World Public Relations Forum 2026, which is expected to attract participants from 126 countries. According to him, such engagements would position attendees as informal ambassadors who would help project a more balanced image of the country globally.

Neliaku argued that Nigeria’s global reputation is often influenced by elite narratives amplified through international media platforms rather than the everyday realities experienced by ordinary citizens. He said this imbalance contributes to negative perceptions that do not accurately reflect the country’s social and cultural strengths.

He added that this disconnect partly explains why Nigeria is sometimes classified unfavourably in international assessments, including being labelled a Country of Particular Concern. According to the NIPR president, Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its people, both within the country and across the diaspora, noting that the challenge remains converting this human capital into tangible global influence.