FG hires lobbying firm in $9m deal to present Nigeria’s Christian protection record to US government

The federal government has engaged a United States–based lobbying firm in a contract valued at $9 million to communicate Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities to the US government.

Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, retained DCI Group on behalf of the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

DCI Group is a public affairs and lobbying firm headquartered in the United States. 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.

Under the terms of the contract, DCI Group is to assist in presenting Nigeria’s actions to protect Christian communities and in sustaining US support for efforts against West African jihadist groups and other security threats.

The contract runs for an initial six-month period ending June 30, 2026, with an automatic renewal for another six months unless terminated. Either party may end the agreement without penalty by giving 60 days’ written notice.

Financial terms show that Nigeria paid DCI Group $4.5 million on December 12 as a six-month retainer. The agreement sets a monthly fee of $750,000, covering professional fees and related expenses, to be paid in two six-month installments of $4.5 million each.

The engagement comes amid heightened scrutiny from the US government over reports of violence against Christians in Nigeria. In October, President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing allegations of targeted killings of Christians.

Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected claims of a Christian genocide and have said they are engaging with US officials on the issue.

In November, President Donald Trump warned that the United States could take direct military action against groups attacking Christians in Nigeria. On Christmas Day, US forces carried out air strikes on two terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.