Security and public affairs experts have raised serious concerns over the Federal Government’s reported $9 million lobbying contract in the United States, warning that the move could expose Nigeria’s security framework, weaken sovereignty, and amount to an admission of failure in tackling insecurity at home.
A criminologist and security expert, Dr. Sulaiman Ishak Muhamad of the Department of Criminology and Security Studies, Federal University, Dutse, said the deal carries far-reaching security and geopolitical risks, despite its intended diplomatic benefits.
Dr. Muhamad made the remarks while reacting to reports that the Nigerian government hired a U.S.-based lobbying firm to communicate its strategies for protecting Christian communities in Nigeria.
According to him, the contract was signed on December 17, 2025, through Oscar Legal Firm in Kaduna, acting on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
He said the lobbying firm, DCI Group, was engaged for six months at a cost of $9 million, with the agreement reportedly subject to automatic renewal.
Dr. Muhamad disclosed that the Federal Government had already paid $4.5 million upfront, while the firm is expected to receive $750,000 monthly.
“The essence of this contract is to deny claims that Christian communities in Nigeria are being neglected, isolated, exploited, or killed,” he said in an exclusive interview with DAILYPOST.
“The government wants to communicate that this does not go on in Nigeria and that it is committed to protecting Christian communities.”
He explained that the deal is aimed at projecting Nigeria as a safer country and improving its diplomatic image, particularly with the United States.
According to him, the agreement could have positive implications.
“Globally, Nigeria may be accepted as a key economic player in trade, exportation, and international financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF,” he said.
“Socially, Nigeria’s image may improve, and politically, the country may be acknowledged as a democratic state.”
However, Dr. Muhamad warned that the contract could also have grave security consequences.
“This deal may expose what Nigeria does internally in the name of protection. The United States is a key global player, and its interests may go beyond protecting Christian communities,” he cautioned.
He warned that the arrangement could open Nigeria to foreign political and economic pressure, noting that powerful nations often pursue strategic interests under humanitarian or religious narratives.
“There are economic interests involved — oil, lithium, gold, and other natural resources. Nigeria has always been a country of interest because of its resources,” he said.
He added that once global powers begin to raise concerns about a country, “they do not stop.”
“They begin to threaten every aspect of your system. The more Nigeria responds to these pressures, the more vulnerable it becomes in terms of security and defence.”
Dr. Muhamad also expressed concern that granting foreign actors access to Nigeria’s security architecture, even under the guise of assistance, could undermine national independence.
“When a country gains access to your security framework in the name of aid, it often uses that opportunity to fully understand and potentially exploit your system,” he said, describing the process as modern-day neocolonialism.
“We are a sovereign nation. When another sovereign country dictates what we should do or not do under the claim of protection, it shows that we are losing our leverage, liberty, and sovereignty,” he added.
He warned that history shows countries subjected to foreign intervention under humanitarian or religious pretexts often lose peace and stability.
“Such relationships are usually exploitative in nature,” he said.
Dr. Muhamad further noted that Nigeria’s growing economic capacity, including its oil production and refining strength, could also attract external pressure.
“Nigeria now produces enough oil to serve its population and export globally. Having Africa’s largest oil refinery is a strategic advantage, but it may also be seen as a threat by powerful interests,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to be cautious, agile, and firm in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty against foreign interests.
“These foreign interests may bring significant damage if not carefully managed. History has shown that such interests do not stop,” he warned.
He also stressed that Nigeria’s religious communities currently coexist peacefully and that international narratives portraying the country as a religious war zone could deepen divisions.
“Nigeria’s diversity, with over 500 languages and more than 350 ethnic groups, makes it vulnerable to alarmist narratives that can threaten national unity,” he said.
‘You Can’t Fix Insecurity With PR’ — Analyst
Similarly, a Nigerian security analyst, Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu, criticised the lobbying deal, saying public relations abroad cannot replace concrete security action at home.
“As a Nigerian, a Muslim, and a security analyst, I see this contract as a symptom of a deeper problem, not a solution,” Adamu said.
He argued that Nigeria’s insecurity affects all communities, not just Christians, and warned against oversimplifying the crisis for foreign audiences.
“Insecurity in Nigeria cuts across religious and ethnic lines. Framing it as a ‘Christian protection’ issue misrepresents the reality,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s security challenges stem from terrorism, banditry, weak policing, poor intelligence coordination, and governance failures — not religious persecution.
“No amount of lobbying can replace real reforms, intelligence-led operations, and accountability,” he said.
“The most effective message to the world would be visible progress on the ground, not expensive lobbying contracts.”
Lobbying an Admission of Failure — Mahdi Shehu
Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu also condemned the deal, describing it as an admission that the government has failed to address insecurity.
“Engaging lobbyists to sell so-called efforts is simply admitting that the claims are true,” Shehu said.
“Action speaks louder than noise.”
He questioned why the government would spend about N16 billion on lobbying if it had tangible achievements to showcase.
“If real work is being done, there would be no need for panic diplomacy,” he said.
Shehu described the expenditure as reckless at a time Nigerians are battling hunger, unemployment, and insecurity.
“With N16 billion, thousands of small businesses could be supported and hundreds of thousands of jobs created,” he said.
He also alleged nepotism in the awarding of the contract, claiming it was linked to ethnic interests, and accused the government of ignoring procurement laws.
“This consultancy is unnecessary, wasteful, and reflects desperation,” Shehu said.
“Every day is for the thief, one day is for the owner.”
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