The Federal Government of Nigeria has engaged a United States–based lobbying firm in a $9 million contract to interface with American authorities and policymakers over Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities and combat terrorism.
Documents filed with the United States Department of Justice reveal that the engagement was facilitated by Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, acting on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The U.S. firm retained for the assignment is DCI Group, a Washington-based public affairs and lobbying company.
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 mandated to assist the Nigerian government in communicating its actions to protect Christian communities and to maintain U.S. support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts against West African jihadist groups and other destabilizing elements.
The contract is structured to run for an initial six-month period ending June 30, 2026, with an automatic renewal for another six months unless terminated by either party. A termination clause allows either side to withdraw from the agreement for any reason by issuing a 60-day advance written notice.
Financial terms of the deal show that DCI Group will receive a monthly retainer of $750,000, bringing the total value of the contract to $9 million over one year. Nigeria paid $4.5 million on December 12, 2025, as an upfront six-month retainer.
The hiring of the American lobbying firm comes amid increased scrutiny from the United States following reports alleging targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. In October, U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over allegations of a Christian genocide.
The Nigerian government has consistently denied claims of religiously motivated violence, insisting that insecurity affects all communities regardless of faith. Authorities have also pledged continued diplomatic engagement with the United States to clarify Nigeria’s position.
In November, President Trump further escalated his rhetoric, threatening military action against terrorists allegedly targeting Christians in Nigeria. On Christmas Day, the United States carried out airstrikes on two terrorist enclaves in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, highlighting Washington’s growing security involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign.
