The Federal Government has hired a United States based lobbying firm in a $9 million contract to help shape Washington’s understanding of Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities and counter terrorism, amid growing scrutiny from US politicians and policymakers.
Contract documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that Aster Legal, a law firm based in Kaduna State, engaged DCI Group on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. DCI Group is a prominent American public affairs and lobbying firm with deep links in Washington policy circles.
The agreement was signed on December 17, 2025, by Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, managing partner of Aster Legal, and Justin Peterson, managing member of DCI Group.
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Under the contract, DCI Group is expected to “assist the Nigerian government through Aster Legal in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities and maintaining US support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilising elements.”
Inside the $9 Million Deal
The initial term of the contract runs for six months, ending June 30, 2026, with an automatic option for renewal for another six months unless terminated by either party with 60 days’ written notice.
The financial terms reveal that Nigeria will pay a monthly retainer of $750,000, covering professional fees and expenses. This amounts to $4.5 million for each six month period, bringing the total value of the agreement to $9 million if fully executed.
Records indicate that the Nigerian government made an upfront payment of $4.5 million on December 12 as pre payment for the first six months of engagement.
Why Washington Matters
The hiring of the lobbying firm comes against the backdrop of heightened US interest in allegations that Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria.
In October, US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing claims of widespread killings of Christians. The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected the allegation of a Christian genocide, insisting that insecurity in the country affects people of all faiths and ethnicities.
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Despite Abuja’s denials, pressure from Washington intensified in November when Trump threatened to go into Nigeria “guns blazing” to wipe out terrorists allegedly killing Christians, following sustained lobbying by US lawmakers and religious groups.
Security Tensions Escalate
The diplomatic tension spilled into military action on Christmas Day, when the United States carried out air strikes on two terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
Nigerian authorities have since pledged stronger engagement with the US government to correct what they describe as mischaracterisations of the country’s security crisis and to sustain international support for counterterrorism operations across the region.
The Bigger Picture
By turning to professional lobbyists in Washington, the federal government appears to be signalling a more aggressive communications strategy aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s global image, maintaining security cooperation with the US, and countering narratives that could trigger diplomatic or economic consequences.
As international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges grows, how effectively this $9 million effort reshapes opinion in Washington may prove just as important as battlefield gains at home.
