News

FG’s $9m U.S. Lobbying Deal Sparks Outrage Over Diplomatic Vacuum

Published

1 month ago

January 16, 2026

By Oso Abidemi

The Federal Government’s reported $9 million lobbying contract in the United States has triggered widespread criticism, with analysts and opposition parties describing the move as an act of desperation driven by Nigeria’s prolonged failure to appoint ambassadors.

Documents filed under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) show that Nigeria engaged DCI Group, a Washington-based lobbying and public relations firm with links to U.S. President Donald Trump, to manage the country’s image and counter allegations of targeted killings of Christians.

The contract, dated December 17, 2025, authorises monthly payments of $750,000 over an initial six-month period, amounting to $4.5 million, with a possible renewal bringing the total to $9 million.

The deal was reportedly facilitated through Aster Legal, acting on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Critics say the arrangement exposes the cost of Nigeria’s diplomatic paralysis following President Bola Tinubu’s recall of all ambassadors in September 2023, a vacuum that remains unresolved more than a year later.

Foreign policy analysts argue that the absence of substantive ambassadors in key capitals, including Washington, forced the government to rely on expensive foreign lobbyists to articulate its position under increasing international scrutiny.

Opposition parties have faulted the decision. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), described the contract as evidence of misplaced priorities amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship, insisting that no amount of foreign lobbying could substitute for effective governance and protection of lives at home.

The party also warned that framing the engagement around “Christian protection” risked deepening religious tensions.

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), labelled the contract deceptive and embarrassing, questioning why an administration with a full Ministry of Information and multiple media aides would outsource its image management abroad.

The party demanded clarification on the budgetary provision for the deal and called on the government to prioritise security reforms over public relations.

Diplomats and analysts also weighed in. The President of the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals, Ambassador Gani Lawal, said the lobbying deal was a consequence of neglecting Nigeria’s diplomatic machinery, stressing that ambassadors are meant to serve as the country’s first line of defence in shaping global perception.

Meanwhile, the controversy comes amid rising pressure from the United States, which recently redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged violence against Christians, a claim Abuja has consistently rejected. Compounding tensions, Washington has announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for Nigeria and dozens of other countries.

As calls grow louder for the deployment of ambassadors and a clearer foreign policy strategy, observers say the $9 million lobbying deal has evolved into a broader debate on Nigeria’s diplomatic readiness and the cost of delayed decision-making on the global stage.

2027 General Elections

FCT Polls: ADC Condemns Wike’s ‘War’ Threat, Says Nigerians Will Decide

Published

3 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his reported declaration of “war” against anti-Tinubu candidates ahead of the February 21, 2026 elections.

In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi warned that such rhetoric could inflame political tensions and undermine democratic stability.

The party insisted that the outcome of the FCT polls would be determined by voters, not President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or any government official.

The statement described Wike’s threat as “irresponsible and dangerous” in Nigeria’s fragile political climate. ADC emphasized that sovereignty rests with the people, not with any minister or president.

The party also pledged to resist any attempt to intimidate voters or subvert the electoral process, insisting that Nigerians would exercise their franchise freely and lawfully.

Abuja Reports

CSN questions Nigeria’s secularism, charges Knights to Safeguard Christian presence

Published

3 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Samson Adeyanju

The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Michael ‘Leke Banjo, has questioned Nigeria’s claim to secularism, noting that the Constitution contains explicit references to Sharia and Islam without a corresponding structural reference to Christianity.

The CSN Scribe raised concerns about what he described as the possibility of a long-term religious imbalance within Nigeria’s institutional structures.

Speaking during the Joint All Catholic Knights (JACKs), annual summit held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja, Fr. Banjo pointed to complaints from some northern states where Christians reportedly face difficulties acquiring land to build churches or establishing chaplaincies in public institutions, while Muslim worship facilities are permitted.

Referencing a widely circulated write-up titled “The Islamization of Nigeria Is Not a Theory. It’s a Blueprint,” noted that while its conclusions may be debated, the deeper questions it raised about constitutional provisions, Sharia courts, educational policy, judicial interpretation and strategic public appointments deserved sober and factual examination.

Challenging Knights, the Canon Lawyer said the Church’s history shows that Catholic Knights emerged at moments when faith encountered political pressure, citing the example of the Knights Hospitaller, later known as the Knights of Malta, who defended Christian communities and protected pilgrims.

According to him, the major battleground in Nigeria today is institutional; in how laws are drafted, how policies are shaped, what is introduced into school curricula, and who occupies key public offices.

He urged Catholic Knights and Ladies to draw up a disciplined and realistic strategic plan to safeguard Christian presence in Nigeria and respond proactively to developments in legislation, education, public appointments, media narratives and public funding patterns.

He charged them to establish competent national and diocesan strategy units to monitor trends, analyse bills, track policy shifts, and develop position papers rather than reacting only through press statements.

“If Islamisation advances through structure, then your defence of the faith must also be structured,” he said.

Fr. Banjo urged the Knights to be strategic for 2027 and vigilant beyond, insisting that their power and influence must truly serve the common good.

2027 General Elections

INEC Concludes Training Ahead of FCT Area Council Polls Saturday

Published

5 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Olokuta Rofiat

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has concluded the training of ad-hoc staff for the 2026 Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The training, held across designated centres in the FCT, was designed to equip electoral officers, presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and other personnel with guidelines for the smooth conduct of the polls.

INEC said the sessions covered accreditation procedures, handling of electoral materials, result collation and compliance with the Electoral Act, while participants were also sensitised on professionalism, neutrality and voter management.

The election will produce six Area Council chairmen and 62 councillors across the FCT’s wards. INEC reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a credible exercise and urged eligible voters to turn out peacefully.

Security agencies have also assured residents of adequate protection before, during and after the polls.