The Nigerian government has accused the United States Mission in Nigeria of orchestrating a “relentless smear campaign” that violates diplomatic norms and undermines decades of bilateral goodwill.
In a statement issued on August 2, 2025, senior government officials in Abuja expressed outrage over what they described as the U.S.
Mission’s interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, specifically citing its circulation of a report by The Africa Report, a Paris-based publication, which alleged that Nigerian political elites were “splurging state resources on buildings while citizens went hungry.”
The report singled out Oyo and Gombe states, accusing Governors Seyi Makinde and Inuwa Yahaya of lavish spending on new government houses amid economic hardship.
Nigerian officials dismissed the claims as misleading, defending the governors as among the nation’s most prudent leaders. “Governor Makinde has been recognized for fiscal discipline, and Governor Yahaya has ensured timely salaries, built hospitals, and improved livelihoods,” a senior source stated.
The officials suggested the negative coverage stemmed from a rejected business proposal by The Africa Report’s publisher, who reportedly sought funding from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for an “Africa Roundtable” event in Abidjan, which was declined.“
This behavior violates Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which prohibits diplomats from interfering in the host country’s internal affairs,” a senior Nigerian diplomat noted.
The government further criticized a July 15, 2025, U.S. State Department travel advisory warning Americans to avoid 18 Nigerian states due to terrorism, kidnappings, and poor healthcare, calling it “alarmist and context-free.”
Tensions were also fueled by the U.S. Mission’s July 31, 2025, Facebook post under #TransparencyTuesday, which cited The Africa Report and criticized Nigerian leaders for “fiscal recklessness” in prioritizing government buildings over schools, clinics, and agriculture.
Despite the friction, Nigerian officials emphasized their commitment to the U.S.-Nigeria partnership, which includes $2.2 billion in U.S. exports to Nigeria in 2017 and cooperation on counterterrorism and regional peacekeeping.
“We value decades of U.S. support, but this relationship cannot come at the cost of Nigeria’s sovereignty or dignity,” a senior aide said. Abuja urged the U.S. Mission to cease spreading “jaundiced narratives” and respect diplomatic protocols to avoid further straining ties with Africa’s largest democracy.
