NIPR President Defends Federal Government's $9 Million US Lobby Deal as Acceptable Practice

Dr. Ike Neliaku, president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has come to the defense of the Federal Government's decision to secure lobbying services in the United States, emphasizing that lobbying is a conventional public relations function and not a criminal act.

Opposition groups alongside several Nigerians have expressed their discontent regarding President Bola Tinubu's administration's endorsement of a $9 million contract for lobbying in the United States. They characterize this spending as a misallocation of priorities.

Critics argue that such funds could be more effectively utilized, given the current challenges faced by many Nigerians, including escalating insecurity, inflation, and deteriorating economic conditions.

In light of the criticism, Neliaku remarked that lobbying is an accepted aspect of public relations practice and should not be misinterpreted as an illegal or unethical act.

He voiced his thoughts during the unveiling of the First Nigeria Reputation Perception Index Report 2025, an event organized by NIPR at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Neliaku insisted that these lobbying efforts are frequently employed by governments to advance national interests and improve their international image.

He stated, “Many are questioning the necessity of hiring lobbyists. Lobbying serves a public relations purpose; it is not inherently wrong. However, what is crucial is that those we engage to lobby for us will soon be visiting here from 126 countries (for the World Public Relations Forum 2026), and that represents the strongest lobbying we could conduct.”

Additionally, the Senate has reaffirmed that Nigeria is actively working to enhance its global image, noting that a nation’s reputation is a critical asset in an interconnected world.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, praised the data-driven methodology of the report in assessing Nigeria’s performance across several essential sectors, including governance, economy, security, institutions, culture, and innovation.

He argued that credible, independent evaluations are vital for effective lawmaking and oversight, highlighting that evidence-based reports enable lawmakers to formulate responsive legislation, bolster institutions, and ensure accountability.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that a country's reputation should authentically reflect actual experiences, shaped by the quality of leadership, institutional integrity, policy consistency, and the daily realities faced by its citizens, pledging legislative backing for reforms that foster transparency, unity, and social justice.

Joe Keshi, the President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, warned against conflating public relations with propaganda, pointing out that Nigeria's international standing has significantly deteriorated. He described a nation's reputation as a valuable yet vulnerable asset influenced by governance quality, leadership, and diplomatic efficacy.