The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Federal Government over a reported $9 million lobbying deal with U.S.-based firm DCI Group, describing the contract as “defective and deceptive.”
In a statement on Wednesday, January 14, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, expressed concern that the Nigerian government, through Kaduna-based Aster Legal, hired the American firm to “communicate its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities.”
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the Tinubu administration approved the controversial lobbying contract to persuade former U.S. President Donald Trump and key lawmakers that Nigeria is taking steps to address insecurity, particularly the killings of Christians in the northern region.
Investigative reports indicate that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu facilitated the contract, which was finalised shortly after Nigeria was redesignated a “country of particular concern” by the Trump administration over widespread killings of Christians. The U.S. subsequently imposed a partial travel ban on Nigerian citizens affecting tourist, business, and student visas.
U.S. Department of Justice filings show that Nigeria paid an initial $4.5 million tranche on December 12, 2025, as a six-month retainer, with a second payment due in July 2026, making it one of the most expensive lobbying deals ever signed by an African government.
PDP criticised the decision to outsource communication to a foreign firm, pointing out that Nigeria already has a fully funded Ministry of Information and skilled media officers. The party said the contract highlights a lack of confidence in the ministry and its staff.
The opposition party demanded answers on whether the deal was included in the 2025 budget, why it was executed through a private law firm instead of the Federal Ministry of Justice, and what Key Performance Indicators were attached to the contract.
PDP urged the Tinubu administration to prioritise improving security rather than investing in what it called “deceptive communication,” stressing that genuine protection of citizens, not image laundering, would enhance Nigeria’s international reputation.
The party further warned against seeking “easy public validation through ephemeral optics” and called for sustained measures to tackle insecurity, Nigeria’s most pressing challenge.
