Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the Federal Government over the reported expenditure of ₦500 million on a strategic communications campaign aimed at countering international claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, saying the money should have been deployed to strengthen security and protect lives.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the reported spending as a misplaced priority at a time communities across Plateau, Benue and other parts of the country continue to grapple with deadly attacks.
The rights group said the reported release of funds for an “Emergency Strategic Communications and Global Media Engagement” campaign raises concerns over the government’s priorities, insisting that Nigerians expect greater investment in security, intelligence gathering, emergency response and the protection of vulnerable communities.
According to the organisation, the government cannot win the fight against insecurity through public relations campaigns while citizens continue to face attacks in their homes, farms and places of worship.
HURIWA therefore challenged the Federal Government to make public full details of the reported expenditure, including the beneficiaries, procurement process, services rendered and measurable outcomes achieved.
”If the government believes the ₦500 million was properly spent, it should publish the details. Nigerians deserve to know who received the money, what services were provided and what value the expenditure added,” the group stated.
The association also expressed concern over reports that the Federal Government entered into a $9 million annual lobbying arrangement with a United States-based public affairs firm to improve Nigeria’s international image and engagement with U.S. policymakers.
While acknowledging the importance of diplomacy and strategic communication, HURIWA maintained that lobbying efforts cannot replace decisive action against terrorism, banditry and attacks on vulnerable communities.
It called on the government to disclose the full terms of the reported lobbying contract, including the approving authority, procurement procedure, expected deliverables and the benefits accruing to Nigerians.
The organisation further cited reports indicating that thousands of conflict-related incidents and deaths were recorded across Nigeria between July 2025 and June 2026, stressing that the country’s security challenges require practical solutions rather than image management.
HURIWA also condemned the reported killing of nine members of the extended family of Plateau-based cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, urging security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to redirect public resources towards strengthening intelligence, protecting vulnerable communities, improving policing and ensuring swift prosecution of criminal elements.
It also urged the government to publish details of both the reported ₦500 million communications expenditure and the reported $9 million lobbying arrangement in the interest of transparency and accountability.
HURIWA maintained that Nigeria’s international image would be better enhanced by improved security, justice and good governance than by expensive public relations campaigns.
”The strongest public relations campaign for Nigeria is effective security. Nigerians need protection, justice and visible government action—not propaganda,” the organisation said.
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