By Charles Maduka
The Federal Government has entered into a $9 million lobbying agreement with a United States firm to present Nigeria’s efforts at protecting Christian communities and to sustain American support for counter-terrorism operations.
Documents filed with the United States Department of Justice show that Aster Legal, a law firm based in Kaduna State, engaged DCI Group on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu.
The agreement was executed in December and signed by the managing partner of Aster Legal, Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, and the managing member of DCI Group, Justin Peterson. Under the contract, the US firm is expected to help communicate Nigeria’s actions to safeguard Christian communities and maintain US backing in countering jihadist groups and other security threats in West Africa.
The contract is initially for six months, with provisions for an automatic extension unless terminated by either party with written notice. Financial records indicate that Nigeria paid $4.5 million as an upfront retainer, with the remaining amount due after the first six months.
The engagement comes amid growing diplomatic tensions following allegations of persecution and violence against Christians in Nigeria. US President Donald Trump had previously described the situation as genocide, a claim strongly rejected by the Nigerian government.
The lobbying deal is also linked to wider security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, including recent airstrikes by US forces targeting Islamic State–linked militants accused of collaborating with jihadist and bandit groups in northern Nigeria.
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