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The Federal Government has reportedly signed a $9 million US lobbying deal to reshape its image on global security.

The Federal Government is taking a bold, expensive step to reshape its image on the global stage. 

Reports have emerged that Nigeria has secured the services of a high-profile United States lobbying and public affairs firm, DCI Group, in a contract worth $9 million.

The move is seen as a strategic response to growing pressure from Washington. Specifically, the firm is expected to help the government communicate its counter-terrorism efforts and clarify its stance on the violence affecting Christian communities in the country.

According to documents filed with the US Department of Justice, the deal was officially sealed on December 17, 2025. 

Interestingly, the agreement was facilitated through Aster Legal, a law firm based in Kaduna, acting for the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Nigeria isn't holding back on the funding for this diplomatic push. Financial disclosures show that an advance payment of $4.5 million half of the total contract has already been made. 

The agreement runs until June 2026, with the Federal Government paying a monthly retainer of $750,000 for these professional services.

This isn't just about public relations; it is about high-stakes diplomacy. For some time, Nigeria has been under the spotlight in the US over allegations of religiously motivated violence. 

In October, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” a move that local authorities have strongly protested.

While US lawmakers have accused the government of failing to protect religious minorities, Nigerian officials maintain that the crisis is actually fueled by banditry, terrorism, and organized crime rather than religion.

The urgency of this contract became clear after President Trump warned of potential military intervention if the situation did not improve. 

By hiring the DCI Group, the government hopes to convince US policymakers that it is doing enough to protect all citizens and to ensure that vital security support for the fight against jihadist groups in West Africa continues without hiccups.