Nigeria hires US lobbyists to defend reputation

The Nigerian Government has hired an American lobbying firm for $750 000 per month to defend its international reputation in Washington. The federal government’s contract with DCI Group AZ, LLC runs for six months and is valued at $4.5m, reports Premium Times Nigeria. Under the agreement, DCI Group is mandated to brief the US 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. This lobbying battle intensified after US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern. On Christmas Day, US cruise missiles struck suspected terrorist targets in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states. On Tuesday, US forces delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria, the US Africa Command announced, stating that the ‘delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations’.

Full report in Premium Times Nigeria