The Federal Government has entered into a $9 million lobbying agreement with a United States public affairs firm to promote Nigeria’s efforts at protecting Christian communities and sustaining U.S. support in tackling insecurity.
Documents filed with the United States Department of Justice show that Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, engaged DCI Group on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The contract, signed on December 17, 2025, by Aster Legal’s Managing Partner, Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, and DCI Group’s Managing Member, Justin Peterson, is initially for a six-month period ending June 30, 2026, with provision for an automatic six-month renewal.
Under the agreement, DCI Group is mandated to assist the Nigerian government, through Aster Legal, in communicating its actions aimed at protecting Christian communities in Nigeria, while also maintaining U.S. backing for efforts to counter jihadist groups and other destabilising elements in West Africa.
The contract allows either party to terminate the engagement without penalty, provided a 60-day written notice is issued.
Financial disclosures indicate that Nigeria paid DCI Group $4.5 million on December 12, 2025, as a six-month retainer. The agreement stipulates a monthly fee of $750,000, to be paid in two instalments of $4.5 million each over the contract period, bringing the total value to $9 million, estimated at about ₦12.8 billion.
The lobbying engagement comes against the backdrop of increased scrutiny by the United States over security conditions in Nigeria, particularly allegations concerning attacks on Christian communities, which the Nigerian government has consistently denied.
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In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over claims of widespread violence against Christians. A month later, Trump warned of possible military action against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
On Christmas Day, U.S. forces reportedly carried out air strikes on two terrorist enclaves in Bauni Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, further underscoring heightened international attention on Nigeria’s security situation.
The Federal Government has maintained that it is committed to protecting all citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, and has repeatedly described claims of targeted religious violence as misleading and politically motivated.