Pecohub The Nigerian government has hired an American lobbying firm for $750,000 per month over six months to defend its international reputation in Washington, spending a total of $4.5 million.
The federal government’s contract with DCI Group AZ, LLC runs for six months and is valued at $4.5 million.
Under the agreement, DCI Group is mandated to brief the United States government on Nigeria’s efforts to protect both Christians and Muslims, while also sustaining American support for Nigeria’s campaign against terrorist groups operating in West Africa.
As Nigeria engages lobbyists in Washington, Biafran separatists and other interest groups are simultaneously working to persuade the US government that Christians face systematic persecution in the country.
Nigeria is spending significantly more than the Biafran separatists, who are investing about $66,000 in their own American lobbying campaign.
The separatists’ lobbyist is advocating sanctions against Nigeria and seeking US recognition of Biafran independence.
Their mandate includes briefing US government officials and private-sector stakeholders on what they describe as challenges facing the people of Biafra, while arguing that the region should be recognised as an independent state.
This lobbying battle intensified after US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and, in November 2025, threatened to deploy American troops to Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” to halt what he described as the “persecution of Christians.”
Mr Trump’s threat prompted swift action by President Bola Tinubu’s government. In November, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held discussions in Washington with officials from the US Department of Defence and some other members of the Trump administration.
On 20 November, Mr Ribadu and the Nigerian delegation met US Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth and General Dan Caine, a top US military officer.
Officials from both countries described the meeting as productive. Following Mr Ribadu’s visit, Nigeria and the United States established a joint team to share intelligence and fast-track weapons deliveries.
On Christmas Day, US cruise missiles struck suspected terrorist targets in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Mr Trump told the New York Times on 8 January that additional US airstrikes were likely if what he termed attacks on Nigeria’s Christian population continued.
On Tuesday, US forces delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced, stating that the “delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership.”
Who is doing the lobbying
Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal retained DCI Group, a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs, communications, and lobbying firm founded by seasoned political operatives, to act on behalf of Nigeria.
The six-month contract, signed on 17 December 2025 by Aster Legal managing partner Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim and DCI Group managing member Justin Peterson, runs through 30 June 2026 and includes an automatic renewal clause.
DCI Group’s work will be led by managing partners Justin Peterson and Brian McCabe.
Mr Trump had in 2020 appointed Mr Peterson as his representative to the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico.
“DCI Group shall assist the Nigerian government through Aster Legal in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities and maintaining US support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilising elements,” the agreement stated.
Either party may terminate the agreement with 60 days’ written notice.
Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that Nigeria paid a $4.5 million retainer on 12 December, covering the first six months of the agreement.
The contract specifies: “Client shall pay Consultant a monthly retainer of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($750,000), being full payment of professional fees and expenses covered under this agreement. The monthly payment shall be made in two six-month instalments of four million five hundred thousand dollars ($4,500,000), one due (a) upon execution of this Agreement and the other (b) upon expiration of six months from the effective date.”
What the Biafrans want
The so-called Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) is spending far less than the Nigerian government but is pursuing far-reaching objectives.
“BRGIE will pay a monthly fee of $10,000 USD for services provided from January 1 to March 31, 2026; subsequently, BRGIE will pay a monthly fee of $12,000 USD for services provided from April 1, 2026, to June 31, 2026,” the agreement shows.
The contract with Washington & Madison, announced on 10 January, seeks to persuade the US to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials, recognise a Biafran government, and even support military action.
The agreement asserts that violence against Christians in Nigeria is the government’s responsibility and argues that a new Biafran government would better serve American interests. It also promises US oil companies more favourable deals.
However, the contract omits the fact that Christians have also been victims of attacks carried out by separatist groups in the South-east.
Washington & Madison is run by Elias Gerasoulis, a Republican fundraiser who has donated to Senator Ted Cruz, according to a report by Africa Confidential. Mr Cruz chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The Biafra group’s representative is Isaiah Harrison Anyaogu, also known as Ogechukwu Nkere, who reportedly resides in Baltimore, Maryland. He identifies himself as the acting prime minister of the Biafran movement in exile.
Previous Biafran leaders, Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa, are currently in custody in Nigeria and Finland, respectively.
