Nigeria Spends $9m on US Lobbyists to Counter ‘Christian Genocide’ Claims as Trump Steps Up Pressure

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The Federal Government has approved a $9 million lobbying contract with a United States-based firm in a bid to counter growing international allegations that Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria, as pressure mounts from President Donald Trump’s administration.

The six-month agreement, signed on December 17, 2025, was awarded to Washington lobbying firm DCI Group and facilitated by Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu. Records indicate that Nigeria has already paid $4.5 million upfront, with a monthly retainer of $750,000, bringing the total value of the deal to $9 million by June 30, 2026. The contract includes an automatic renewal clause unless terminated with 60 days’ notice.

The lobbying effort is aimed at engaging US lawmakers and key policy influencers to challenge what Nigerian officials describe as a distorted narrative portraying the country as a centre of religious persecution. Government sources say the campaign will emphasise Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism operations against jihadist groups, including ISIS-linked factions, and argue that the violence affecting communities across the country is driven primarily by terrorism, banditry and organised criminality rather than state-backed or systematic attacks against Christians.

The move comes amid heightened scrutiny from Washington. In October 2025, the Trump administration redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom, a decision that carries the risk of diplomatic and economic consequences. President Trump has since issued repeated warnings that tougher measures could follow if attacks on Christian communities persist, further straining relations between both countries.

Within Nigeria, the multimillion-dollar deal has sparked sharp debate. Critics have condemned the expenditure as costly image management at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and insecurity remains widespread. They argue that the $9 million would be better channelled into strengthening security operations or providing direct support to victims of violence.

Government officials, however, defend the decision as a strategic diplomatic investment, warning that failure to counter damaging claims in Washington could jeopardise critical security cooperation, military assistance and broader bilateral ties with the United States.

As the contract runs through mid-2026, attention will be on whether Nigeria’s high-priced lobbying push succeeds in easing tensions and reshaping perceptions in Washington, or whether it deepens domestic criticism while insecurity at home continues to fuel international concern.