The Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has engaged a US-based lobbying firm in a $9 million (approximately N12 billion) contract to promote its efforts in protecting Christians in Nigeria to the United States government.
The contract, filed with the US Department of Justice, shows that Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, retained the services of DCI Group on behalf of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The agreement, signed on December 17, 2025, by Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim of Aster Legal and Justin Peterson of DCI Group, covers six months ending June 30, 2026, with an automatic six-month renewal option.
SCOPE AND PAYMENT DETAILS
Under the contract, DCI Group is expected to:
-
Assist the Nigerian government in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities
-
Maintain US support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilising elements
The contract allows either party to terminate with 60 days’ written notice without penalty.
Payment terms include a $4.5 million six-month retainer paid on December 12, 2025, and a monthly fee of $750,000, covering professional fees and expenses.
US CONCERNS OVER CHRISTIAN KILLINGS
The lobbying move comes amid heightened US interest in reports of Christian killings in Nigeria.
-
In October 2025, former US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian genocide claims, which Nigeria has denied.
-
In November 2025, Trump warned he could intervene militarily, stating he might enter Nigeria “guns-a-blazing to wipe out the terrorists killing our cherished Christians.”
-
On Christmas Day, the US launched air strikes on terrorist enclaves in Bauni Forest, Tangaza LGA, Sokoto State.
-
On January 10, Trump suggested further strikes could follow if attacks on Christians continued, though he acknowledged that Muslims were also victims.
“I’d love to make it a one-time strike … But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike,” Trump told the New York Times.
NIGERIA-US ENGAGEMENT
The contract reflects Nigeria’s efforts to engage diplomatically with the US amid concerns over religious violence and terrorist activity, emphasising the protection of vulnerable communities while countering extremist groups in the region.
