What comes to mind when you hear the word “lobbying”? The average individual is likely to link it with corruption in less time than it takes to blink. But is lobbying corruption’s next of kin? If you think that the only way to make your opinion known to the government is through vigorous agitations, chances are your answer to that question is yes.

You probably recall how in October 2020, the End SARS protest started with vibrant streaks of nationalism and comforting promises of transformation, only to sputter to an end after a few weeks of exhilarating momentum. Well, if the leaders of this bellwether movement had gone through a Lobbying agency in Nigeria, it would still be going strong today, with its players being effective actors achieving impactful outcomes.

In its pure form, lobbying aims to bring the people’s interests to the limelight, ensuring every citizen is represented when the government makes decisions. Hence, having a Lobbying agency in Nigeria is a democratic necessity. It is the only way government will be of the people, for the people and by the people. Through lobbying, everyone can have their voice heard.

Your next question may be, “if lobbying is so good, why does it have a nasty reputation?” Well, the reason for lobbying’s notoriety is the way it has been misused. Lobbying aims to influence the government’s decision based on the interest of the people. However, in Nigeria, it has not entirely been used the way it ought to over the years. A significant reason is that many people have misconceived, but not unfounded, notions about lobbying. Hence, they avoid it like the plague. However, getting to the golden destination we all have in mind for Nigeria without the journey being more challenging than necessary requires this democratic tool.

Perhaps this realisation is the reason Nigeria has made a move to legalise lobbying in Nigeria. With this in place, any interest group can engage a Lobbying agency in Nigeria and make their voices heard. That sounds more like the Nigeria of our dreams.