FG hires US lobbying firm for $9m to push Nigeria’s Christian protection record
The federal government has engaged a United States based lobbying firm in a $9 million deal to communicate its efforts to protect Christian communities in Nigeria to the US government.
Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that Aster Legal, a Kaduna based law firm, hired DCI Group on behalf of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser.
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 contract, DCI Group is expected to assist the Nigerian government, through Aster Legal, in communicating actions taken to protect Christian communities and in sustaining US support for efforts to counter West African jihadist groups and other destabilising elements.
The initial term of the agreement is six months, running until June 30, 2026, with an automatic renewal for another six months unless terminated by either party. The contract allows either side to end the agreement without penalty by giving 60 days written notice.
Financial details of the contract show that Nigeria paid DCI Group $4.5 million on December 12 as a six month retainer. The agreement stipulates a monthly fee of $750,000, covering professional fees and related expenses, payable in two instalments of $4.5 million each.
The engagement comes amid increased scrutiny from the US government over reports of attacks on Christians in Nigeria. In October, former US president Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a country of particular concern, citing allegations of a Christian genocide.
The Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims of genocide against Christians and has pledged to engage US authorities on the matter.
In November, Trump threatened military action against terrorist groups in Nigeria, following repeated claims by some US politicians that Christians were being targeted in the country. On Christmas Day, the US carried out air strikes on two terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza local government area in Sokoto State.
