A Nigerian criminologist has warned that the federal government’s $9 million lobbying contract in the United States could compromise the country’s security framework and sovereignty. Dr. Sulaiman Ishak Muhamad, a security expert at the Federal University, Dutse, made the remarks in response to reports that the government hired a US-based lobbying firm to promote its efforts in protecting Christian communities.
The contract, signed on December 17, 2025, through Oscar Legal Firm in Kaduna, aims to communicate the government’s strategies for safeguarding Christian communities. The lobbying firm, DCI Group, will receive $9 million for six months, with an automatic renewal option. The government has already paid $4.5 million upfront, with a monthly payment of $750,000.
Dr. Muhamad noted that the contract’s primary objective is to counter claims that Christian communities in Nigeria are being neglected or persecuted. However, he cautioned that the agreement may expose Nigeria’s internal security measures and make the country vulnerable to foreign pressure. The expert warned that powerful countries often pursue broader interests under the guise of support, citing Nigeria’s rich natural resources, including oil, lithium, and gold, as potential targets.
Another security analyst, Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu, criticized the government’s decision, stating that public relations efforts abroad cannot replace real security action at home. Adamu argued that Nigeria’s insecurity affects all religious and ethnic groups, and framing it as a “Christian protection” issue oversimplifies the crisis. He emphasized that the government should focus on addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as terrorism, banditry, and governance failures, rather than relying on international lobbying.
Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu also condemned the contract, describing it as an admission of failure to tackle insecurity at home. Shehu questioned the government’s decision to spend millions of dollars on lobbying, suggesting that the funds could be better utilized to support small businesses and reduce unemployment.
The controversy surrounding the lobbying contract has sparked concerns about the government’s priorities and its ability to address the country’s pressing security challenges. As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, the international community will be watching to see how the government responds to these criticisms and whether it will take concrete steps to improve the security situation on the ground.
