Lobbying is often a strategy adopted by________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which body commonly uses lobbying as a strategy.

Step 2: Explain the concept Lobbying means trying to influence government officials, lawmakers, or policy decisions in favour of a particular interest or cause. It is usually done through:

• Meeting legislators or ministers
• Presenting petitions and memoranda
• Offering information or expert advice
• Public campaigns that pressure decision-makers

The groups that do this are pressure groups (also called interest groups). They do not seek to take control of government. They only want to influence policy. Examples in Nigeria include the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Political parties: Their main aim is to win elections and form the government, not merely to influence it. They may sometimes lobby, but it is not their defining strategy.
• B. Public corporations: These are government-owned enterprises that provide goods and services. They do not lobby as a core activity.
• C. Public authorities: These are government bodies that carry out public functions. They are part of government, so they have no need to lobby it.
• D. Pressure groups: Lobbying is one of their main strategies for influencing government policy without seeking power. ✔

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. pressure groups.

Exam tip: Link the words together: Lobbying = Pressure groups. Remember: political parties seek power, while pressure groups influence power.