By Ayo Kehinde
The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to shape United States perceptions of Nigeria’s internal security situation, signing a high-powered lobbying contract in Washington as it moves to counter claims of a “Christian genocide” and reinforce strategic ties with the administration of U.S. President, Donald Trump.
According to a detailed report by the UK-based publication, Africa Confidential, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has engaged the Republican-linked DCI Group on a $750,000-a-month contract, renewable based on performance, to communicate Abuja’s security strategy, democratic credentials and reform agenda to key U.S. stakeholders. The deal, routed through Aster Legal, is aimed at countering separatist narratives being pushed by Biafran secessionist groups in Washington.
Titled “Tinubu and Biafra Lobbyists Join War for Trump’s Ear Over Christian Genocide Claims”, the report published on Tuesday, January 13, further alleged that the contract dwarfs the $66,000 monthly fee being allegedly paid by the Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGE) to Madison & Washington, a smaller lobbying firm advocating sanctions against Nigerian officials and international recognition for a hypothetical Biafran state.
Both camps are said to be targeting conservative and evangelical political networks close to President Trump, particularly following his November threat to intervene militarily in Nigeria over allegations of persecution of Christians.
The moves by Nigeria, Africa Confidential said, reflects deep concern that the country could be framed internationally through a narrow religious persecution lens, with far-reaching diplomatic and security consequences.
The lobbying scramble has coincided with a sharp uptick in U.S.–Nigeria security engagement. Between November and December, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and senior intelligence officials held a series of meetings with U.S. defence and security chiefs, leading to the establishment of a joint working group on intelligence sharing and arms requests.
The cooperation culminated in U.S. air strikes on suspected jihadist targets in parts of northern Nigeria on December 25, after earlier plans were adjusted at the insistence of President Trump. Washington has since signalled the possibility of further strikes, while the U.S. Congress is expected in the first quarter of 2026 to consider approval of $346 million worth of precision munitions for Nigeria.
On Tuesday, the United States delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria to support ongoing security operations in the country. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in a statement, said the supplies were delivered to Nigerian security partners in Abuja.
Sources at the Office of the NSA confirmed that Nigeria received more than $100 million worth of military equipment in recent weeks, with 12 Bell Textron AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters valued at about $997 million scheduled for delivery by 2028.
Africa Confidential reported that the DCI Group contract focuses on explaining the Tinubu government’s efforts to protect Christians, Muslims and other faith communities from jihadist violence, while strengthening U.S. support for counter-terrorism operations across West Africa. The firm’s leadership includes figures with close ties to President Trump and the Republican Party.
However, feelers from Aso Rock confirmed that the Federal Government has indeed engaged DCI Group as part of a broader strategy to sustain strong bilateral relations with the United States. Officials said the engagement is designed to ensure accurate, evidence-based communication of Nigeria’s policies on religious freedom, democratic governance, economic reforms and national security.
A source familiar with the agreement said the collaboration will deepen engagement with U.S. policymakers, Congress, faith-based leaders, the business community and the media, while reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to protecting all citizens from violent extremism and insecurity.
A representative of DCI Group said the firm was “pleased to support the Government of Nigeria in communicating its ongoing efforts to protect Christians and people of all faiths from radical jihadist groups and other destabilising elements, while also strengthening trade and commercial ties that benefit both Nigeria and the United States.”
