US-Nigeria diplomatic tension rises as officials accuse US Mission of spreading bias and interfering in domestic affairs over a critical report on Nigerian governance
US-Nigeria diplomatic tension is intensifying as high-ranking Nigerian government officials accuse the United States Mission in Nigeria of pushing what they describe as a “calculated smear campaign” that breaches diplomatic norms and threatens long-standing ties.
Also read: Nigerian Governors Spend Billions Amid Hardship, Says U.S. Embassy Report
The controversy centers around a report published by The Africa Report, which was reportedly circulated by the US Mission.
The article criticised Nigerian political elites for allegedly mismanaging public funds on lavish projects while the majority of the population faces hardship.
Specific mention was made of the construction of new government lodges in Oyo and Gombe states—described in the report as wasteful expenditures.
However, Nigerian officials close to the Presidency strongly disagreed.
“These are two of the most financially responsible governors in the country,” a senior source said.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has earned praise for his fiscal discipline, while Gombe’s Inuwa Yahaya has prioritised critical sectors like healthcare and infrastructure.”
The officials allege that the report’s negative tone may have stemmed from a failed lobbying attempt.
According to multiple sources, the publisher of The Africa Report had previously approached the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to sponsor its Africa Roundtable event in Côte d’Ivoire. When the request was declined, relations reportedly soured.
Diplomatic insiders have called the US Mission’s promotion of the article inappropriate.
“This contravenes Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” a senior diplomat stated. “Foreign missions must not interfere in a host country’s internal affairs.”
The current episode reflects broader US-Nigeria diplomatic tension, reigniting memories of past friction.
Nigerian officials recalled the US’s flawed prediction in the 1990s that Nigeria would collapse by the year 2000—an event that never occurred.
Tensions also rose recently following a July 15, 2025, travel advisory by the US State Department, which warned citizens against visiting 18 Nigerian states due to insecurity and health concerns.
Nigerian analysts criticised the advisory as one-sided and damaging.
“You can’t paint the entire country with the same brush,” said one observer. “Cities like Lagos and Abuja remain relatively safe and stable.”
Some also pointed out the irony of the criticism, referencing the United States’ own security issues.
“The US is projected to lose over 47,000 people to gun violence this year. Some Nigerian cities are safer than American ones struggling with mass shootings,” another analyst said.
Despite their concerns, Nigerian officials reaffirmed their commitment to the bilateral relationship.
“We value our partnership with the US, but it must be based on mutual respect,” a senior aide to the Presidency remarked.
“Promoting unbalanced narratives risks damaging relations with Africa’s most populous democracy.”
Also read: US Embassy Restricts Staff From Abuja Military Sites Over Security Concerns
As the situation unfolds, both governments may need to revisit the principles guiding their engagement to avoid further escalation of US-Nigeria diplomatic tension.
