The Tinubu administration has entered into a $9 million agreement with a US lobbying firm linked to the Republican Party as tensions rise between Nigeria and the United States. The move is aimed at calming the administration of President Donald Trump and preventing further diplomatic or military actions that could affect Nigeria’s global image and internal politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reports indicate that the deal was arranged through Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who worked with a Kaduna-based law firm to secure the services of DCI Group, a Washington lobbying company with close ties to Republican circles. The firm is expected to engage US government officials and members of Congress on Nigeria’s security efforts, especially concerns surrounding violence in parts of the country.
Records filed with the US Department of Justice show that Nigeria has already paid $4.5 million as an initial six-month retainer in December 2025. Another $4.5 million payment is scheduled for July 2026, bringing the total value of the contract to $9 million. The agreement places Nigeria among African countries with the highest spending on foreign lobbying in the US.
The lobbying effort follows a series of actions by the Trump administration, including the renewed designation of Nigeria as a country of concern over security matters. Shortly after the deal was concluded, the United States introduced a partial travel restriction affecting Nigerian visa applicants, citing security and immigration issues.
Tensions worsened later in December when US forces carried out an airstrike in northern Nigeria targeting suspected insurgent locations. President Trump also warned that further military actions could occur if violence in affected areas continued.
In addition to DCI Group, Nigeria has also engaged other channels in Washington. US records show that a former congressional official received payment to prepare correspondence to members of the US House of Representatives ahead of discussions on Nigeria’s security situation. The letter invited US lawmakers to visit Nigeria to assess conditions directly.
Political analysts and former US officials have reacted to the development, noting that the size of the lobbying contract reflects the urgency of Nigeria’s efforts to rebuild strained relations with the Trump administration. They believe the government is seeking closer communication with US authorities through private sector engagement to manage the growing diplomatic strain.
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