The Nigerian Federal Government has come under heavy criticism following reports of a $9 million (approximately N16 billion) lobbying contract with a US-based firm, DCI Group, aimed at countering international claims of neglect and violence against Christian communities in the country.
The six-month agreement, signed on December 17, 2025, through the Kaduna-based Aster Legal (also referred to as Oscar Legal Firm) on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), includes an upfront payment of $4.5 million and monthly fees of $750,000, with automatic renewal options.
The deal seeks to highlight the government's protective measures for Christians, deny allegations of persecution, and strengthen Nigeria's diplomatic standing, particularly with the United States.
However, security experts and analysts argue that such public relations efforts abroad are misguided and ineffective in addressing the root causes of the nation's escalating insecurity.
Criminologist Warns of Sovereignty Risks
Dr. Sulaiman Ishak Muhamad, a criminologist and security expert from the Department of Criminology and Security Studies at Federal University, Dutse, cautioned that the contract could compromise Nigeria's national security and independence.
He described it as a potential gateway for foreign interference, driven by interests in Nigeria's abundant natural resources like oil, lithium, and gold.
“This deal may expose what Nigeria does internally in the name of protection,” Dr. Muhamad said.
He further warned of a risk of neocolonization, stating: “We are now a sovereign nation... when we are asked to do, and not to do by another country, then it shows that we have lost our leverage, liberty as a nation, [and] sovereignty to the United States of America."
He emphasized that while the effort might temporarily improve Nigeria's global image in trade and international institutions, it could ultimately make the country more vulnerable to external pressures and undermine internal stability in a diverse nation with over 350 ethnic groups and peaceful Christian-Muslim coexistence.
Security Analyst: "You Cannot Fix Insecurity with Public Relations"
Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu, a Nigerian security analyst, dismissed the lobbying as a superficial fix for a deep-rooted crisis.
He stressed that insecurity driven by terrorism, banditry, weak policing, poor intelligence, and governance failures affects all religious and ethnic groups, not just Christians.
“As a Nigerian, a Muslim, and a security analyst, I see this lobbying contract as a symptom of a deeper problem, not a solution,” Adamu stated.
“You cannot fix insecurity with public relations.”He argued that true credibility on the global stage comes from tangible domestic improvements in civilian protection, police capacity, and accountability, rather than expensive overseas campaigns.
Public Affairs Analyst Calls It an Admission of Failure
Mahdi Shehu, a public affairs analyst, labeled the expenditure as wasteful and a clear sign of government failure.
“Engaging consultants or lobby groups to sell so-called efforts on insecurity is simply admitting that the claim is true,” he said.
“Action speaks louder than noise.”Shehu questioned the need for such a massive sum amid widespread hardship, suggesting the funds could instead support thousands of small businesses and combat unemployment.
He also raised concerns about potential nepotism in the contract award process.The controversy has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties and the public, who view the deal as a misplaced priority when Nigerians face ongoing insecurity, economic challenges, and basic needs.
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