Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed the Federal Government over reports that it approved $9 million for lobbying services in the United States, describing the move as a “national disgrace” and a clear reflection of Nigeria’s misplaced priorities.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Obi said it was both tragic and alarming that Nigerian leaders continue to prioritise waste, corruption, propaganda and image management over investments that directly improve citizens’ lives.
“A Country That Chooses Waste Over Progress”
Reacting to the reported lobbying contract, Obi wrote that the $9 million expenditure is only a tiny fraction of the global-scale waste draining Nigeria’s resources.
“Recently, it was reported that $9 million of taxpayers’ money was spent on lobbyists in Washington. This is just a small fraction of the waste happening globally in the same manner. This situation perfectly aligns with the disgraceful state of Nigeria,” he stated.
According to Obi, such spending explains why Nigeria continues to lag behind in development despite its vast human and natural resources.
Nigeria Stuck While Peers Move Ahead
Obi pointed to Nigeria’s poor Human Development Index (HDI) record as evidence of leadership failure.
He noted that Nigeria has remained in the low HDI category for 35 years (1990–2025), while countries that were once behind Nigeria have surged ahead.
“China, where Nigeria had three times higher per capita income in 1990, and Indonesia have moved from low to medium, and now to high HDI categories,” Obi said.
He stressed that their success was not due to miracles or luck, but deliberate choices and good leadership.
$9 Million vs Nigerian Lives
Breaking down the implications of the controversial expenditure, Obi explained that $9 million (about ₦14 billion) could have significantly improved healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.
He highlighted that:
- Nigeria currently has the lowest life expectancy in the world
- The country ranks among the top two globally for maternal mortality
- Childbirth remains one of the most dangerous experiences for Nigerian women
“Instead of investing in life-saving systems, we spend millions trying to obscure our failures,” Obi said.
What the Money Could Have Done
According to Obi, the same $9 million could have:
- Purchased critical hospital equipment
- Funded the entire 2024 capital budget of at least one major teaching hospital in each geopolitical zone
- Directly improved survival rates, healthcare delivery and life expectancy
“The funds are available. What is lacking are prioritisation, discipline, and effective leadership,” he concluded.
Bottom Line
Peter Obi’s statement has reignited public anger over government spending priorities, with many Nigerians questioning why billions are spent abroad on lobbying while hospitals, schools and social services at home continue to collapse.
As reactions pour in, one question dominates the conversation:
Should Nigeria be paying foreign lobbyists, or saving Nigerian lives?
