Peter Obi Slams $9 Million US Lobbying Contract as “National Disgrace”

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned reports that the Federal Government approved a $9 million contract for lobbying services in the United States, calling the move a “national disgrace.”

Obi, in a statement posted on his verified X account on Friday, described the expenditure as a stark example of wasteful spending that undermines Nigeria’s development. He criticized leaders for prioritizing propaganda and foreign lobbying over critical domestic investments in health, education, and poverty reduction.

“Recently, it was reported that $9 million of taxpayers’ money was spent on lobbyists in Washington, which I believe is just a small fraction of the global waste occurring in the same manner. This situation aligns with the disgraceful state of Nigeria,” Obi wrote.

He highlighted the country’s stagnation on the Human Development Index (HDI), noting that Nigeria has remained in the low HDI category for 35 years, despite comparable nations like China and Indonesia moving to higher categories.

Obi argued that the $9 million, roughly N14 billion, could have funded essential hospital equipment and capital projects in major teaching hospitals across the country, directly improving life expectancy and healthcare outcomes. He cited Nigeria’s persistently low life expectancy and high maternal mortality rates as examples of the consequences of misprioritization.

“The funds are available; what is lacking are prioritization, discipline, and effective leadership,” he added.

The former presidential candidate’s statement has reignited debate on government spending priorities and the impact of corruption and mismanagement on Nigeria’s development trajectory.