FG Hires US Lobbyists for $9m to Defend Nigeria Over Christian Killings Claims

The federal government has entered into a multi-million-dollar lobbying agreement in the United States as it steps up efforts to counter claims that Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria.

Under the arrangement, the government will spend $9 million on a U.S.-based public affairs firm to help present Nigeria’s security efforts to American authorities, particularly on the protection of Christian communities and the fight against terrorism.

Documents linked to the deal show that the engagement was initiated through Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, acting on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The firm contracted DCI Group, a lobbying and public affairs company operating in the United States, to carry out the assignment.

This agreement was executed on December 17, 2025. It was signed by Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, managing partner at Aster Legal, and Justin Peterson, a managing member of DCI Group.

The contract mandates the American firm to “assist the Nigerian government through Aster Legal in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities and maintaining U.S support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilizing elements”.

The initial duration of the contract is six months, running until June 30, 2026. However, the agreement allows for an automatic extension of another six months unless terminated by either party.

A termination clause in the contract permits either side to end the agreement without sanctions, provided a written notice is issued at least 60 days in advance.

Financial records tied to the deal indicate that Nigeria has already paid $4.5 million to the lobbying firm as an upfront retainer covering the first six months.

The contract further states: “Client shall pay Consultant a monthly retainer seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($750,000; being full payment of professional fees and expenses covered under this agreement). The monthly payment shall be made in two (2) six-month installments of four million five hundred thousand dollars ($4,500,000) one due (a) upon execution of this Agreement and the other (b) upon expiration of six months from the effective date,” the fee & expenses section of the contract reads.

The decision to engage U.S. lobbyists comes amid heightened scrutiny from Washington over reports alleging widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria. The issue has gained traction within American political circles, fueling diplomatic pressure on Abuja.

In October, U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’, citing allegations of a Christian genocide.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected the accusation, insisting that violence in the country affects people of all faiths and is driven by terrorism and criminality rather than religion.

Officials in Abuja have also pledged to engage more actively with U.S. authorities to clarify the situation and outline steps being taken to address insecurity nationwide.

Tensions escalated further in November when Trump publicly threatened to go into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing to wipe out the terrorists killing our cherished Christians”, following repeated claims by some American lawmakers that Christians were being deliberately targeted in the country.

In a related development, the United States carried out air strikes on Christmas Day against two terrorist hideouts in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State, as part of broader counter-terrorism operations in the region.

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