United States Senator Ted Cruz has accused the Nigerian government of responding to international concerns about the alleged persecution of Christians with a public relations campaign rather than addressing the underlying issues of insecurity and religious freedom.
In a post published on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Cruz reacted to recent U.S. congressional developments concerning Nigeria.
“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,” the Republican senator wrote.
He added, “The U.S. government knows the Nigerian officials responsible for these policies. I have been pushing my bill to sanction them, and President Trump has even ordered military action.”
Cruz further alleged that Nigerian authorities chose to launch a communications campaign instead of responding to concerns raised by the United States.
“Instead of responding to American concerns, Nigerian officials waged a public relations campaign against critics,” he said. “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.”
The Nigerian government has consistently denied allegations that it condones or supports religious persecution, maintaining that it is addressing broader security challenges affecting communities across the country.
As previously reported, the Federal Government hired a U.S.-based lobbying firm under a $9 million contract to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with U.S. officials amid allegations of attacks on Christian communities.
Nigeria’s government expenditure tracking platform, GovSpend, also shows that the Presidency approved a ₦500 million payment in 2025 for what was described as an emergency strategic communications campaign.
According to the payment record, the funds were released to the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communications for “emergency Strategic Communications and Global Media Engagement to counter coordinated Western propaganda against FGN on alleged Christian persecution.”
The expenditure formed part of a broader government effort to respond to increasing international criticism over insecurity and allegations of religious persecution.
Documents filed under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) indicate that DCI Group was retained through Aster Legal on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Under the agreement, DCI Group was tasked with communicating Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities and sustain U.S. support for counterterrorism operations against jihadist groups and other destabilizing elements in West Africa.
The contract provides for monthly payments of $750,000, including an initial six-month retainer valued at $4.5 million.
Nigeria has faced growing international scrutiny over persistent attacks by insurgents, armed bandits, and other criminal groups.
Cruz has remained one of the most outspoken members of the U.S. Congress advocating tougher measures against Nigerian officials over alleged violations of religious freedom.
