United States Senator Ted Cruz has accused the Nigerian government of trying to improve its image abroad instead of tackling the country’s worsening security challenges, particularly the killings of Christians and other religious minorities.
The Texas lawmaker criticised the Federal Government over its decision to hire a US lobbying firm, saying the move appeared to be an attempt to reduce international criticism rather than address the root causes of insecurity.
According to reports, Nigeria signed a $9 million contract with DCI Group, a Washington-based public affairs and lobbying firm, in December 2025. The agreement was reportedly arranged through Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) led by Nuhu Ribadu.
Reacting in a post on X, Cruz alleged that Nigerian officials have failed to adequately protect Christians and religious minorities from violent attacks.
“Nigerian officials have created an environment that facilitates mass violence against Christians and religious minorities by imposing blasphemy and Sharia laws and looking the other way at jihadist atrocities,” Cruz wrote.
The US senator added that instead of responding to concerns raised by American lawmakers, Nigerian officials chose to launch what he described as a public relations campaign.
“Instead of responding to American concerns, Nigerian officials waged a public relations campaign against critics. They were confident in that campaign and in their ability to continue the status quo, and I am heartened that the House has just definitively proven them wrong,” he said.
Cruz was reacting after the US House of Representatives approved an amendment seeking to increase the withholding of US assistance to Nigeria from 50 percent to 100 percent until the country takes stronger steps to prevent and respond to violence within its borders.
The senator has previously sponsored the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, a proposed law aimed at holding Nigerian government officials accountable over alleged failures to address attacks on Christians.
Meanwhile, former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, accused the Presidency of misleading Nigerians over a reported letter said to have come from US President Donald Trump.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Frank argued that the letter was merely a routine diplomatic communication acknowledging cooperation between Nigeria and the United States on security matters and should not be portrayed as an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The letter only commended Nigeria for partnering with the US in addressing insecurity. It was not an endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership, his economic policies or his administration,” Frank said.
He also challenged the Presidency to publish the full document, including the official White House seal and President Trump’s signature, to confirm its authenticity.
Frank further questioned reports that Nigeria had spent millions of dollars on lobbyists in the United States to improve its international reputation, arguing that governments with strong credibility do not need expensive image-management campaigns.
“Ultimately, credibility and integrity cannot be conferred by a letter, a diplomatic exchange or a public relations campaign. They are earned through transparent leadership, accountability, respect for democratic institutions and faithful service to the people,” he added.
The allegations by both Cruz and Frank come amid continued international attention on Nigeria’s security situation and growing calls for stronger action against violence affecting several parts of the country.
