Nigeria has joined the growing trend of African governments hiring US lobbying firms to shape Washington’s perception, safeguard trade and aid, and manage international scrutiny.
In a $9 million contract with DCI Group, the federal government will communicate its efforts to protect Christian communities and maintain US support against West African jihadist groups amid heightened attention from Washington under President Trump
Contract Details
Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal retained DCI Group, a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs, communications, and lobbying firm founded by seasoned political operatives, to act on behalf of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Signed on December 17, 2025, by Aster Legal managing partner Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim and DCI Group managing member Justin Peterson, the six-month contract runs through June 30, 2026, with automatic renewal.
DCI Group will “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.” Either party may terminate the agreement with 60 days’ written notice.
According to the contract documents, Nigeria paid a $4.5 million retainer on December 12, covering the first six months of the agreement. The contract specifies: “Client shall pay Consultant a monthly retainer of 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 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.”
US Scrutiny and Military Engagement
The contract follows heightened US attention on Christian killings in Nigeria. In October, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) following claims of genocide, which the Nigerian government has denied.
Amid this heightened scrutiny, Trump warned in November that he would go into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing to wipe out the terrorists killing our cherished Christians,” after pressure from US lawmakers.
Following this escalation, US forces carried out air strikes on Christmas Day against jihadist positions in Bauni Forest, Sokoto State, as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations in West Africa.
Africa and US Lobbying Practices
Nigeria’s approach reflects a broader trend in Africa, where governments increasingly hire US lobbying firms to defend strategic interests and shape perceptions.
Kenya has paid firms like Continental Strategy LLC and SPG between $175,000 per month and $1.2 million annually to protect AGOA jobs and advance trade priorities.
South Africa and Ethiopia have spent millions on lobbying to safeguard trade, investment, and security interests.
Smaller nations, including Somalia, have engaged lobbyists for targeted campaigns, with contracts from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars annually.
North African governments such as Egypt have paid upwards of $1.8 million per year to secure aid and favourable policy outcomes.
With ongoing counterterrorism operations and heightened attention from US policymakers, the effectiveness of these efforts could have lasting implications for Nigeria’s security, foreign relations, and international standing.
