FG hires US lobbying firm for $9m to counter Christian genocide claims

The Federal Government has engaged a United States–based lobbying firm in a $9 million deal aimed at presenting Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities to the US government.

Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that the contract was executed through Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, which retained DCI Group on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

DCI Group is an American public affairs and lobbying company.

The agreement, signed on December 17, 2025, by Aster Legal’s managing partner, Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, and DCI Group’s managing member, Justin Peterson, is designed to help convey Nigeria’s security actions to US policymakers.

Under the terms of the contract, DCI Group is expected to support the Nigerian government, through Aster Legal, in outlining measures taken to safeguard Christian communities and in sustaining US backing for efforts against jihadist groups and other destabilising forces in West Africa.

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

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Financial details in the filing indicate that the firm is to receive a monthly retainer of $750,000, bringing the total contract value to $9 million over one year. Nigeria reportedly paid an initial $4.5 million on December 12 as a prepayment covering the first six months of the agreement.

The engagement comes amid heightened scrutiny by the US over reports alleging the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

In October, President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” following claims of widespread persecution of Christians.

Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected allegations of a Christian genocide, maintaining that insecurity in the country affects all communities regardless of religion, while pledging continued engagement with US officials.

In November, Trump further escalated rhetoric on the issue, warning of potential military action against terrorist groups in Nigeria.

Weeks later, on Christmas Day, the United States carried out airstrikes on two terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The Star