Nigeria Government Signs $9 Million US Lobbying Contract to Deny Christian Genocide
Abuja, Nigeria – January 15, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into a $9 million lobbying contract with a United States–based lobbying firm aimed at communicating its claims of trying to safeguard Christian communities and to sustain U.S. support for Nigeria’s security operations.
According to documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Washington-based DCI Group was retained through Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal on behalf of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The agreement was signed on 17 December 2025 by Aster Legal’s managing partner, Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, and the managing member of DCI Group, Justin Peterson.
Under the contract, DCI Group is expected to assist the Nigerian government in changing the narrative by communicating claims of favorable actions towards Christian Communities by the Nigerian government and to help secure U.S. diplomatic support.
Contract Terms and Advance Payment
The lobbying deal covers an initial six-month period ending 30 June 2026, and includes an automatic renewal clause for another six-month term. Either party may terminate the agreement with 60 days’ written notice without penalty.
Financial disclosures show that Nigeria had already paid $4.5 million to DCI Group on 12 December 2025 as an advance retainer covering the first six months. Under the terms, the firm is to receive a monthly retainer fee of $750,000, bringing the total value of the full contract to $9 million.
Context: U.S. Scrutiny on Religious Violence
The lobbying effort comes amid renewed U.S. focus on the ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria. Christian communities have been targeted, killed and their houses taken over with over 10 million languishing in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps.
In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” under U.S. religious freedom law, citing allegations of systematic violations of religious freedom against Christians.
The CPC designation is applied to countries where there is “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom,” and can prompt various diplomatic and policy responses from the U.S. government.
In late 2025, the United States also delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria and conducted air strikes against terrorist groups, signalling deeper cooperation in counterterrorism operations.
Criticism from Political Parties and Civil Society
Nigeria’s opposition party ADC have strongly criticised the lobbying contract, describing the $9 million expenditure as “scandalous” and a case of “misplaced priorities”, arguing that taxpayer funds should be used to address pressing domestic issues like insecurity and economic hardship rather than on image management abroad.
Similarly, political parties like and PDP labelled the contract “defective, shameful and deceptive” in their statements, asserting that outsourcing diplomacy to lobbyists reflects a diplomatic failure and shows how weak the credibility of Nigeria’s institutions are.
The party also took issue with framing the exercise around Christian protection, warning that it could fuel sectarian tensions.
Civil society groups such as the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have echoed these criticisms, calling the contract a wasteful use of scarce public funds that could have been deployed to support frontline security efforts or improve social services.
Government’s Position and Strategic Aims
Officials involved in the contract claim that the engagement with DCI Group is intended to clarify Nigeria’s security strategy to American policymakers and to ensure continued U.S. engagement amidst growing concerns about the country’s reluctance to tackle the religious violence and terrorism.
The government has repeatedly denied allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria, claiming that the security challenges faced by the country are complex, affecting all communities and rooted in terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than targeting any single faith group.
Government Blames IPOB
The Nigerian government has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of exposing the killings and other atrocities against Christians in the country, claiming that information relied upon by the United States government originated from the organization.
Government officials argue that IPOB has deliberately amplified the long-overlooked genocide against Christians in order to influence international opinion and foreign policy decisions, particularly in Washington.
The accusation comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions and growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation. While the government insists it is actively combating Fulani-linked terrorism, Nigerians argue that its actions on the ground suggest otherwise.
In response, IPOB has accused the Nigerian government of shielding and sponsoring Fulani terrorists while persecuting individuals and groups who speak out.
The organization points to the kidnapping of its members by the state, including the 2021 seizure of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from Kenya, which IPOB describes as evidence of systematic repression.
The organization also pointed to the recruitment of terrorists into the Nigerian army at various times under the banner of “repentant bandits,” as well as widespread extrajudicial killings, particularly in the Eastern region, notably the recent exposure of Tiger Base Police in Imo State.
IPOB further cited the imprisonment of Nigerians who attempt to defend themselves against Fulani terrorist attacks, and allegations that the government paid ₦100 billion to Miyetti Allah, the umbrella body representing Fulani herdsmen.
Implications for Nigeria-U.S. Relations
Diplomats and analysts say the move to spend $9 million dollars on lobbying Washington reflects worsened diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States, where perceptions about Nigeria’s security situation can influence bilateral cooperation, military aid, and counterterrorism partnerships.
The six-month contract with DCI Group will be closely watched by both supporters and critics, especially as Nigeria navigates ongoing domestic security issues and desperate for foreign support amid international scrutiny.
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