By Muhammad Mamman
The Nigerian government has accused the United States Embassy in Nigeria of waging a calculated smear campaign, breaching diplomatic protocols and jeopardling tensions between the two nations. The charge follows the US Embassy’s dissemination of a report by Paris-based outlet The Africa Report, which alleged that Nigerian political elites were squandering public funds on lavish government buildings while citizens faced hardship.
The report singled out Oyo and Gombe states, branding their new government house projects as symbols of extravagance. However, senior Nigerian officials have dismissed the claims as baseless, hinting at ulterior motives.
“These accusations are a distortion of reality,” a high-ranking source told journalists. “Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe are among Nigeria’s most fiscally responsible leaders. Makinde has earned widespread praise for his governance and financial prudence, while Yahaya has ensured timely salary payments, built hospitals, and uplifted livelihoods. These are not the hallmarks of profligacy.”
Diplomatic Breach
Nigerian authorities argue that the US Embassy’s actions violate Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates that diplomats refrain from interfering in the domestic affairs of their host nation. “This conduct is a clear overstep,” a senior diplomat remarked. “It undermines the spirit of mutual respect that should define our bilateral ties.”
The row adds to a series of strains in US-Nigeria relations. Officials recalled Washington’s erroneous prediction in the 1990s that Nigeria would collapse by 2000. More recently, a US State Department travel advisory on 15 July 2025 cautioned Americans against visiting 18 Nigerian states, citing risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and inadequate healthcare.
Nigerian analysts have branded the advisory as sensationalist, arguing it unfairly tarnishes the nation’s image while overlooking vibrant hubs like Lagos and Abuja. “The US projects nearly 47,000 gun-related deaths domestically this year,” one commentator noted. “Yet it issues sweeping alerts about Nigeria, ignoring that many of our regions are safer than some American cities. This is blatant double standards.”
A Call for Respect
Despite the friction, Nigeria remains committed to its longstanding partnership with the US. “We value decades of collaboration,” a senior official affirmed. “However, this relationship must not compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty or dignity.”
Abuja has issued a firm rebuke to the US Embassy, urging it to cease propagating biased narratives and adhere to diplomatic norms. Failure to do so, officials warn, risks further straining ties with Africa’s largest democracy.
