Alleged genocide: FG hires US lobbyist for $9m

The Federal Government has entered into a $9 million lobbying agreement with a United States firm to communicate Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities and 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 Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The agreement was executed on December 17, 2025, and signed by Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, managing partner of Aster Legal, and Justin Peterson, managing member of DCI Group.

Under the terms of the contract, DCI Group is to “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.”

The initial duration of the contract is six months, running until June 30, 2026, with an automatic renewal for an additional six months unless terminated. Either party may end the agreement “for any reason without penalty” by giving 60 days’ written notice.

Financial disclosures indicate that Nigeria paid $4.5 million to DCI Group on December 12 as an upfront six-month retainer. The contract’s fee and expenses clause states: “Client shall pay Consultant a monthly retainer 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 (2) 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.”

The engagement comes amid a broader security partnership between Nigeria and the US.

On Christmas night, US forces conducted airstrikes in Sokoto State, targeting Islamic State–linked militants accused of working with the Lakurawa jihadist group and local armed bandit networks.

The strikes came amid a diplomatic disagreement following allegations of persecution and violence against Christians in Nigeria.

US President Donald Trump had previously described the situation as “genocide,” an assertion that the Nigerian government strongly rejected.

And on Friday, for the first time since he shifted his focus to insecurity in Nigeria, he admitted that Muslims are also victims of killings.

Contrary to the reality on the ground, the US President has consistently claimed that Christians are being targeted in attacks.

However, in an interview with the New York Times, Trump admitted that not a single religion is being affected, but even at that, he claimed that Christians were the major victims.

“I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria. But it’s mostly Christians,” the New York Times quoted him to have said.

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.