This development is deeply troubling and reflects a profound misjudgment of priorities. Committing $9 million to foreign lobbyists particularly a politically exposed and partisan firm signals not seriousness of purpose, but insecurity and a failure of imagination. You cannot outsource credibility, nor can you launder governance failures through Washington consultants.
If the Nigerian state were genuinely protecting all its citizens and decisively confronting insecurity, no lobbyist would be required to “communicate its actions.” Results speak louder than retainers. The truth is that what Nigeria seeks in Sokoto or in Washington is already within reach in their Sokoto: political will, institutional reform, accountability, and a sincere reorientation of national purpose. Unfortunately, these remain beyond the capacity or vision of this aging political class.
Worse still, such an obvious lobbying effort risks backfiring. It invites scrutiny, fuels skepticism, and exposes the government to potential “name and shame” campaigns that will ultimately erode, not enhance, its standing. Effective lobbying is subtle and grounded in substance; this is neither.
At a time when the country cries out for reimagining, security sector reform, and a moral reset, this expenditure is not just extravagant it is irresponsible. One is left to ask, painfully but honestly: what, exactly, can these people do well?
Otunba Segun Showunmi
The Alternative.
