Under the Surface: How Biafra Lobbyists Fueled Trump’s Christian-Persecution Narrative on Nigeria
Newly surfaced documents from the U.S. Department of Justice shed light on a behind-the-scenes influence campaign by Biafra separatist
groups, revealing how their lobbying may have played a role in Donald Trump’s harsh rhetoric against Nigeria — particularly his claims about a “Christian genocide.”
Lobbying with Purpose
According to internal filings, several pro-Biafra organisations — including the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) and a “Biafra De Facto Government” — registered under America’s Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) in order to advocate directly to U.S. policymakers.
One of the contracts is especially eye-opening: Moran Global Strategies, a Washington firm run by former U.S. Congressman Jim Moran, was hired by the Biafra movement for $10,000 a month to conduct lobbying, perception management, and outreach to U.S. executives and legislators.
In another agreement, Mercury Public Affairs LLC was paid by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to help with global messaging, targeting the U.S. Congress and other influential bodies.
Framing the Narrative
The DOJ filings don’t just reveal money flowing; they also show deliberate narrative framing. The pro-Biafra groups pitched their cause in a way tailored to conservative U.S. audiences — emphasizing protection of Christians, portraying Biafra as a bulwark against Islamic extremism, and linking their cause to broader geopolitical struggles (notably, countering Chinese influence in Africa).
A particularly revealing moment came on December 2, 2024, when a group of diaspora leaders signed a “joint declaration” in Lahti, Finland, accusing Nigeria of a “genocidal onslaught” against both Biafrans and Christians.
Interestingly, one of the signatories is Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure who describes himself as the “prime minister” of a Biafran government in exile — and who has faced legal trouble in Europe.
From Lobby to Policy
The advocacy seemed to have real impact. According to reports, the pressure from these diaspora groups helped build momentum in Washington for Trump’s decision to re-designate Nigeria as a CPC — a label reserved for countries accused of “particularly severe” religious freedom violations.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who has been vocal about Christian persecution in Nigeria, echoed the narrative pushed by the Biafra groups, amplifying their claims at high levels.
And the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) themselves have publicly welcomed Trump’s designation. In a statement, they thanked Trump, Senator Cruz, and “friends of Biafra” in America for helping spotlight what they describe as “state-sponsored violence” against Christians and Igbo people.
Pushback and Skepticism
Not everyone accepts this narrative wholesale. The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI), a Nigerian think tank, strongly condemned the CPC decision, arguing that it was fueled by “biased and misleading” data from advocacy groups with hidden agendas.
IMPI further claims that some advocacy organisations exaggerated the scale of Christian deaths in Nigeria to push a political agenda, and warns that the narrative has been weaponized.
Why It Matters
- Diplomatic weight: If these lobbying efforts really influenced U.S. policy, it shows how diaspora groups can shape global perceptions and even trigger international actions.
- Policy consequences: The CPC status could pave the way for U.S. sanctions, or at least increased pressure on Nigeria — something that was flagged in Trump’s announcements.
- Narrative power: Framing Biafra’s struggle in terms of religious persecution makes their case more compelling to certain U.S. audiences, but it risks oversimplifying a very complex security situation in Nigeria.
- Legitimacy concerns: That some of these groups operate largely abroad, and are engaging in paid lobbying, raises questions about representation and whose voices are actually being amplified.
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