Peter Obi calls $9m US lobbying deal '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 it a "national disgrace" in a Friday statement on his X handle. Obi criticized Nigerian leaders for prioritizing "waste, corruption, propaganda, lies, and negative aspects of development over positive initiatives." He argued the $9 million expenditure (approximately N14 billion) exemplifies misallocated resources while Nigeria remains stuck in the low Human Development Index category for 35 years (1990-2025), despite China and Indonesia advancing to medium and high categories. Comparing development metrics, Obi noted Nigeria now has the world's lowest life expectancy and ranks among top two countries for maternal mortality. He emphasized the funds could have purchased essential hospital equipment for Nigerian hospitals or funded the entire 2024 capital budget for at least one major teaching hospital per geopolitical zone, directly improving survival rates and care quality. "The funds are available; what is lacking are prioritization, discipline, and effective leadership," Obi stated, contrasting foreign image-management with domestic healthcare failures.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/16/national-disgrace-peter-obi-on-alleged-9m-us-lobbying-deal/