BREAKING: FG hires American lobby firm to defend record on protection of Christians

The Federal Government has entered into a $9 million lobbying agreement with a United States–based firm to help present its position on the protection of Christians in Nigeria to the US government.

Documents filed with the United States Department of Justice show that DCI Group, an American public relations and lobbying firm, was engaged through Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, on behalf of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The agreement, signed on December 17, 2025, was executed by Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, managing partner of Aster Legal, and Justin Peterson, managing member of DCI Group.

Under the contract, DCI Group is expected to support Nigeria’s engagement with US authorities by communicating the government’s efforts to safeguard Christian communities and sustain American backing in the fight against jihadist groups and other security threats in West Africa.

The agreement is scheduled to run for an initial six-month period, ending on June 30, 2026, with provisions for an automatic extension of another six months. Either party may terminate the contract without penalty by giving a 60-day written notice.

Financial details contained in the filing indicate that the lobbying firm is to receive a monthly retainer of $750,000, covering professional fees and related expenses. Payment is structured in two instalments of $4.5 million each, amounting to a total of $9 million over one year.

Records further show that Nigeria made an upfront payment of $4.5 million on December 12, 2025, covering the first six months of the contract.

The engagement comes amid heightened scrutiny from the United States over reports alleging widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria. In October, the US government redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” following renewed claims of religious persecution.

Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected allegations of a Christian genocide, maintaining that insecurity in the country is driven by terrorism and criminal violence rather than religious targeting. The government has also pledged to deepen diplomatic engagement with Washington to clarify its position.

Tensions escalated in November when US President Donald Trump warned of possible military action against terrorists in Nigeria following renewed claims by American lawmakers.

Days later, on Christmas Day, US forces carried out airstrikes on suspected terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area in Sokoto State.

The lobbying deal underscores Nigeria’s latest effort to manage international perceptions of its security challenges while maintaining strategic ties with the United States.

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