Nigeria engages Washington lobbyists with $9m contract to defend security record and counter religious violence claims

Nigeria has engaged a United States–based lobbying and public affairs firm in a contract valued at $9 million to present its security efforts and response to violence affecting Christian communities to policymakers in Washington.

Records filed with the US Department of Justice indicate that DCI Group, a lobbying firm headquartered in Washington, was retained to brief American officials on Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy and its handling of claims of religiously driven violence. The contract was signed on December 17, 2025, through Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm acting on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Under the terms of the agreement, DCI Group is tasked with explaining steps taken by the Nigerian government to protect Christian populations and with helping to maintain US backing for Nigeria’s fight against jihadist groups operating across West Africa.

The initial duration of the contract is six months, running until June 30, 2026, with an automatic renewal clause unless either party gives 60 days’ notice. Financial disclosures show that Nigeria has already paid $4.5 million as an upfront retainer, while the total contract value stands at $9 million. The deal includes a monthly payment of $750,000 for professional services and associated costs.

Nigeria’s decision to hire a lobbying firm follows renewed scrutiny in the United States over reports alleging targeted attacks against Christians in the country. In October, President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing claims of systematic violence against Christian communities—an allegation Nigerian authorities have repeatedly denied.

US lawmakers and officials have accused Abuja of failing to sufficiently protect religious minorities, while Nigerian officials maintain that insecurity in the country is largely driven by terrorism, banditry and organised criminal activity rather than religious persecution.

Diplomatic tensions escalated in November when Trump warned that the United States could consider military intervention if violence against Christians persisted. Nigerian officials later said they would intensify engagement with Washington to address what they described as inaccurate portrayals of the country’s security situation.

On Christmas Day, the United States conducted air strikes on two terrorist camps in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State, marking a deeper level of US involvement in counterterrorism efforts connected to Nigeria. Earlier this week, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on X that it had delivered military supplies to Nigerian security agencies in Abuja.

“U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM said.

The latest support follows a visit by a high-level Nigerian delegation to Washington in November 2025 to strengthen security ties and explore new areas of cooperation. The delegation was led by Ribadu and included the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

During meetings with members of the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council and the Department of War, the delegation addressed allegations of genocide, stressing that violence in Nigeria affects communities across religious and ethnic boundaries.

According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the discussions were aimed at correcting misconceptions about Nigeria’s security challenges and strengthening cooperation with the United States.

“The engagements provided an opportunity to correct false narratives about Nigeria, build a constructive and solution-oriented partnership with the United States, reinforce mutual trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt,” Onanuga said.

He added that both countries agreed to pursue a non-binding cooperation framework and to set up a Joint Working Group to coordinate agreed areas of collaboration. Onanuga said Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to civilian protection, noting that “firm, urgent and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.”

He further disclosed that the United States expressed willingness to offer additional assistance, including humanitarian support for affected communities in the Middle Belt and technical help to improve early-warning systems. The recent delivery of military supplies, he said, underscores ongoing efforts by both governments to deepen security cooperation and confront the threat posed by terrorism and violent extremist groups in Nigeria. The Guardian