The Nigerian government has strongly criticized the United States Mission in Nigeria, accusing it of orchestrating a “relentless smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing the country’s image and undermining diplomatic goodwill.
This accusation comes after the U.S. Mission reportedly circulated a critical report by Kogitribune, a Paris-based publication, which accused Nigerian political elites of mismanaging public resources — specifically citing the construction of new government houses in Oyo and Gombe states. The article claimed these projects symbolized extravagance while ordinary citizens faced economic hardship.
However, top Nigerian government officials have rejected the claims, defending the targeted governors as models of prudence and fiscal responsibility.
“These are two of Nigeria’s most disciplined leaders,” a senior government source said. “Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is widely acknowledged for his sound governance and financial integrity, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe has consistently prioritized salaries, healthcare infrastructure, and economic development. Painting them as symbols of waste is not only inaccurate, it’s unjust.”
Violation of Diplomatic Norms
Beyond the publication, Nigerian officials say the U.S. Mission crossed diplomatic boundaries. A senior diplomat cited Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which prohibits foreign diplomats from interfering in the internal affairs of their host country.
“What we’re witnessing is a breach of protocol,” the diplomat stated. “Diplomacy should be based on mutual respect, not interference or misrepresentation.”
The row adds to growing diplomatic friction between the two countries. Nigerian officials recalled that in the past, the U.S. wrongly predicted Nigeria’s disintegration by the year 2000 — a forecast that never materialized.
More recently, a July 15, 2025, travel advisory from the U.S. State Department warned American citizens to avoid 18 Nigerian states due to terrorism, kidnappings, and poor healthcare infrastructure. Nigerian analysts slammed the advisory as exaggerated and unbalanced.
“While no country is without challenges, it’s misleading to generalize Nigeria as unsafe,” one analyst noted. “Major cities like Lagos and Abuja remain vibrant and secure. Meanwhile, the U.S. is on track to record over 47,000 gun-related deaths this year. Shouldn’t that warrant a similar level of scrutiny?”
Nigeria-U.S. Relations at a Crossroads
Despite the mounting tensions, Nigerian officials emphasized that the country continues to value its long-standing relationship with the United States.
“We acknowledge the decades of cooperation and support from the U.S.,” a presidential aide said. “But friendship does not mean subservience. Nigeria’s sovereignty and dignity must be upheld.”
The government has urged the U.S. Mission to refrain from circulating what it describes as “jaundiced narratives” and to respect international diplomatic norms. As Africa’s largest democracy, officials say Nigeria demands fair treatment — not unfounded criticism from its international partners.
