Nigeria’s Federal Government has signed a $9 million contract with Washington-based lobbying firm DCI Group to promote its security measures protecting Christian communities to US policymakers. The deal, facilitated by Kaduna-based Aster Legal on behalf of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, aims to counter allegations of religious persecution and sustain American support against West African jihadists. Signed on December 17, 2025, the initial six-month agreement runs until June 30, 2026, with an automatic renewal option and 60-day termination notice.
Contract Details
The agreement stipulates a monthly retainer of $750,000, paid in two $4.5 million installments, with the first paid on December 12, 2025. DCI Group’s Managing Member Justin Peterson, a Republican strategist and Trump ally, signed alongside Aster Legal’s Managing Partner Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim. Services include communicating Nigeria’s actions against violence targeting Christians and destabilizing elements like jihadist groups.
US Scrutiny Background
President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” in October 2025 over claims of Christian genocide, which Nigerian officials deny, attributing violence to terrorism and banditry. Trump tasked US lawmakers like Rep. Riley Moore to investigate, citing over 3,100 Christian deaths in Nigeria that year. In November, Trump warned of military intervention, escalating tensions.
Recent US Actions
On Christmas Day 2025, US forces struck two terrorist camps in Bauni Forest, Tangaza LGA, Sokoto State, under Trump’s orders with Nigerian cooperation. A partial US travel ban on Nigerians followed, citing visa overstays and security vetting issues. Recent US Africa Command deliveries of military supplies to Nigeria underscore ongoing partnerships.
Diplomatic Responses
A high-level Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu visited Washington in November 2025, meeting US officials to refute genocide claims and establish a Joint Working Group on security. Additional efforts include a $5,000 payment to US attorney Johanna Blanc for a letter from Senate President Godswill Akpabio inviting congressional visits. Analysts view the lobbying as urgent damage control ahead of potential further US strikes and 2027 elections.
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