United States Congressman Congressman Barry Moore Introduces Bill to Ban Paid Lobbying for Nigerian Government Over Christian Persecution Concerns

A United States Congressman, Barry Moore, has introduced a bill seeking to prohibit the Nigerian government from paying lobbying firms to represent its interests in America while the country remains designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

The proposed legislation, identified as H.R. 10939, seeks to prevent individuals and firms in the United States from receiving payments to lobby on behalf of the Nigerian government until the CPC designation is lifted.

Under the bill, any lobbying firm found collecting money to represent Nigeria during the period would face sanctions.

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