Peter Obi slams FG's $9m foreign lobbyist spend amid Nigeria's 'waste over wellbeing' crisis

Peter Obi has criticised the Federal Government for spending approximately $9 million on foreign lobbyists in Washington, calling it a prime example of Nigeria's tendency to prioritize waste over human wellbeing. In a statement on his X handle Friday, the former Anambra Governor said the alleged deal shows how public funds are used to manage perception abroad while conditions deteriorate at home. He argued the country’s worsening development crisis stems from poor leadership choices.

Obi highlighted Nigeria's stagnant Human Development Index (HDI) ranking over 35 years (1990-2025). While countries like China and Indonesia have advanced from low to high HDI categories, Nigeria remains low despite having a higher per capita income in 1990. He noted Nigeria now has the lowest life expectancy globally and ranks among the top two countries for maternal mortality, making childbirth highly precarious for Nigerian women.

The $9 million could have funded essential hospital equipment, Obi stated, enough to cover the 2024 capital budget for at least one major teaching hospital per zone. This would directly improve survival rates, care, and life expectancy. He emphasized Nigeria's problem isn't lacking funds but lacking prioritization, discipline, and effective leadership.

Every naira should serve the Nigerian people, Obi declared. Instead, citizens die in failing hospitals while the government pays foreigners to pretend everything is fine. He insists the constant prioritization of trivial matters must end.

Is this about effective policy or managing perception? Should Nigeria invest more in healthcare infrastructure or diplomatic lobbying to improve its international image?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/17/peter-obi-knocks-fg-over-alleged-9m-us-lobbying-deal/