FG Hires US Lobbying Firm for $9m to Counter Alleged Genocide Claims
The Federal Government has entered into a $9 million lobbying agreement with a United States-based firm to articulate Nigeria’s efforts at protecting Christian communities and to sustain American support for its counter-terrorism operations.
Documents filed with the United States Department of Justice indicate that Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, engaged DCI Group on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The agreement, executed on December 17, 2025, was signed by the Managing Partner of Aster Legal, Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, and the Managing Member of DCI Group, Justin Peterson.
Under the terms of the contract, DCI Group is mandated to assist the Nigerian government, through Aster Legal, in communicating actions taken to protect Christian communities in Nigeria, while also helping to maintain United States support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilising elements.
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The initial tenure of the contract is six months, ending on June 30, 2026, with an automatic extension for another six months unless either party terminates the agreement. The contract allows either side to withdraw “for any reason without penalty” by providing a 60-day written notice.
Financial disclosures show that Nigeria paid DCI Group an upfront sum of $4.5 million on December 12, 2025, covering the first six months of the engagement. The agreement stipulates a monthly retainer of $750,000, inclusive of professional fees and expenses, to be paid in two six-month instalments of $4.5 million each.
The lobbying arrangement comes amid broader security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. On Christmas Day, US forces carried out airstrikes in Sokoto State targeting Islamic State-linked militants allegedly collaborating with the Lakurawa jihadist group and local armed bandit networks.
The development also follows diplomatic tensions triggered by allegations of persecution and violence against Christians in Nigeria. Former US President Donald Trump had described the situation as “genocide,” a claim that was firmly rejected by the Nigerian government.
Authorities maintain that Nigeria’s security challenges are not driven by religious persecution but are part of a wider campaign against terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent extremism threatening national stability.
By PRNigeria
