The Federal Government has hired a United States–based lobbying firm in a $9 million contract to help communicate Nigeria’s efforts at protecting Christian communities to the US government.
According to documents filed with the United States Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the contract was executed through Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, on behalf of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The American firm engaged for the assignment is DCI Group, a public affairs and lobbying company.
The agreement, signed on December 17, 2025, was endorsed 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 expected to assist the Nigerian government in conveying its actions aimed at protecting Christian communities and in sustaining US support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts against jihadist groups and other destabilising forces in West Africa.
The contract is set to run for an initial period of six months, ending on June 30, 2026, with an automatic renewal clause for another six months. Either party may terminate the agreement without penalty by giving a 60-day written notice.
Nigeria reportedly paid DCI Group $4.5 million on December 12 as an advance six-month retainer. The agreement stipulates a monthly fee of $750,000, covering professional services and related expenses, payable in two instalments of $4.5 million each over a 12-month period.
The engagement comes amid heightened scrutiny by US authorities over reports alleging the killing of Christians in Nigeria. In October, US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” following claims of a Christian genocide.
The Nigerian government has consistently denied the allegations and pledged to engage diplomatically with the US government to address concerns.
In November, President Trump threatened possible military action in Nigeria, citing repeated claims by US politicians of widespread attacks on Christians. On Christmas Day, US forces carried out airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Bauni Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
