United States Congressman Barry Moore has introduced a bill seeking to bar American lobbying firms from receiving payments from the Nigerian government amid allegations of persecution of Christians in the country.

The proposed legislation, identified as H.R. 10939, seeks to prohibit individuals and firms in the United States from accepting payments to lobby on behalf of Nigeria for as long as the country remains designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

Moore accused the Nigerian government of spending millions of dollars on lobbying activities in Washington to counter criticism over attacks on Christians rather than addressing the underlying security challenges.

In a statement explaining the proposal, the congressman said the legislation was intended to prevent Nigeria from using American lobbying firms to deflect criticism over religious persecution.

“For too long, the Nigerian government has paid high-priced lobbyists in Washington to cover up the persecution of Christians while doing little to stop it. This bill will end that,” he said.

Under the proposed legislation, American lobbying firms that receive payments from the Nigerian government during the period of the CPC designation could face sanctions.

The bill has been referred to the relevant committee of the US House of Representatives for consideration.

However, H.R. 10939 has not become law and must pass through the required legislative stages before any of its proposed restrictions can take effect.