The Federal Government of Nigeria has allegedly entered into a $9 million contract with a United States–based lobbying firm to communicate its efforts at protecting Christian communities in Nigeria to the US government.
According to a report by thecable.ng, documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice show that Aster Legal, a law firm based in Kaduna State, engaged DCI Group on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
DCI Group is an American public affairs and lobbying firm.
The agreement, signed on December 17, 2025, was reportedly executed by Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, Managing Partner of Aster Legal, and Justin Peterson, Managing Member of DCI Group.
Under the contract, DCI Group is to assist the Nigerian government, through Aster Legal, in communicating its actions aimed at protecting Christian communities and sustaining U.S. support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilising threats.
The initial term of the agreement runs for six months, ending June 30, 2026, with an automatic renewal for an additional six months unless terminated. Either party may terminate the contract without penalty by providing 60 days’ written notice.
Financial details of the agreement indicate that Nigeria paid DCI Group $4.5 million on December 12 as a six-month retainer. The contract stipulates a monthly retainer of $750,000, covering professional fees and expenses, payable in two six-month instalments of $4.5 million each.
The engagement comes amid heightened scrutiny from the US government over reports alleging widespread killings 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 repeatedly denied the allegations and pledged to engage US authorities on the issue.
In November, Trump warned that the U.S. could intervene militarily in Nigeria to protect Christians, following persistent claims by some American lawmakers.
On Christmas Day, the United States carried out airstrikes on two terrorist enclaves in the Bauni Forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
