Fresh revelations have sparked intense debate after reports emerged that the Nigerian government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a $9 million lobbying contract in Washington, DC, amid worsening diplomatic tensions with the United States.
According to an investigative report published by The Africa Report, the controversial deal was designed to influence the administration of Donald Trump and top US lawmakers over Nigeria’s security situation—particularly the ongoing killings of Christians in parts of northern Nigeria.
What the $9 Million Deal Is About
The report revealed that Nigeria hired DCI Group, a powerful Republican-linked lobbying firm in Washington, to push Nigeria’s narrative within US political circles.
Documents filed with the US Department of Justice reportedly show that:
- Nigeria has already paid $4.5 million to DCI Group on December 12, 2025
- The payment covers a six-month retainer
- Another $4.5 million is due by July 2026
- Total contract value: $9 million (about $750,000 per month)
Ribadu, Aster Legal & Trump Ally Named
The engagement was reportedly facilitated by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, through a Kaduna-based law firm, Aster Legal.
The agreement was signed by:
- Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, Managing Director of Aster Legal
- Justin Peterson, Managing Partner of DCI Group
Peterson is a Republican strategist and known ally of President Trump, who previously served on Puerto Rico’s fiscal management board during Trump’s first term.
Why Nigeria Is Lobbying the US
US filings cited in the report state that DCI Group was hired to:
- Defend Nigeria’s image amid allegations of Christian persecution
- Highlight government efforts to protect Christian communities
- Secure continued US counterterrorism support against jihadist groups in West Africa
This move reportedly came weeks after Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, accusing the government of failing to stop mass killings of Christians.
Travel Ban, Airstrikes & Rising Tensions
Just four days after the lobbying deal, the United States announced a partial travel ban on Nigerians, affecting:
- Tourist visas
- Business visas
- Student visas
The Trump administration cited high visa overstay rates and poor security vetting systems.
Tensions escalated further on December 25, 2025, when President Trump announced that US forces carried out airstrikes in Sokoto State, targeting suspected insurgent hideouts. He later warned that more strikes could follow if violence against Christian communities continues.
Why This Is Explosive
The revelation has triggered backlash and questions:
- Why spend $9 million on US lobbyists instead of fixing insecurity at home?
- Is Nigeria trying to buy influence to avoid sanctions?
- Did the lobbying deal fail, given the travel ban and airstrikes that followed?
As pressure mounts both locally and internationally, the lobbying saga adds another layer of controversy to Nigeria–US relations under the Tinubu and Trump administrations.
Bottom line:
Nigeria is fighting a diplomatic war in Washington—one that’s costing millions, while insecurity at home continues to claim lives.
