The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has engaged a US-based lobbying firm under a $9 million (around N12 billion) contract to help communicate its efforts to protect Christians in Nigeria to the United States government.
Documents filed with the US Department of Justice reveal that Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal contracted DCI Group on behalf of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. DCI Group, a prominent American public relations and lobbying company, was signed on to assist in shaping US perceptions of Nigeria’s actions against threats to Christian communities and countering jihadist groups in West Africa.
The agreement was formalized on December 17, 2025, with Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, managing partner at Aster Legal, and Justin Peterson, managing member of DCI Group, signing the contract.
Under the deal, DCI Group will support the Nigerian government in communicating its security efforts and maintaining US backing. The six-month contract runs until June 30, 2026, and includes an automatic six-month renewal option. Either party can terminate the agreement without penalty by providing 60 days’ written notice.
As part of the contract, Nigeria paid a $4.5 million retainer on December 12, covering half of the six-month professional fees. The contract specifies a monthly payment of $750,000, structured in two six-month installments of $4.5 million each.
The move comes amid growing concern in the US over reports of killings of Christians in Nigeria. In October, former President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ following allegations of Christian persecution—a claim the Nigerian government has consistently denied while pledging to engage with US officials.
In November, Trump warned he might act militarily against terrorists in Nigeria targeting Christians. On Christmas Day, the US carried out airstrikes on two terrorist enclaves in Bauni Forest, Tangaza LGA, Sokoto State. Trump reiterated on January 10 that further strikes could follow if attacks against Christians continue, though he acknowledged that Muslims have also been victims of extremist violence.
In an interview with the New York Times, Trump said, “I’d love to make it a one-time strike … But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike,” referring to the recent missile attack.
The contract raises questions about priorities: should the government spend N12 billion on foreign lobbying to protect Christians abroad, or focus more on addressing security challenges within Nigeria?
