Key opposition parties have criticised the Federal Government for allegedly approving a $9 million (about ₦12.8 billion) contract to hire a United States lobbying firm to promote Nigeria’s image abroad, saying the spending shows misplaced priorities while security and economic challenges deepen at home.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Labour Party expressed their concerns in statements and interviews released on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. They argue that paying a large sum for foreign public relations and lobbying is inappropriate when many Nigerians are struggling.
According to publicly filed documents, the Federal Government engaged DCI Group, a US‑based lobbying and public affairs firm, through Kaduna‑based Aster Legal on December 17, 2025, at the direction of National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The contract aims to help communicate Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christians to the United States government.
In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, the party described the reported deal as “scandalous and indefensible”, saying it reflects a choice to spend scarce government funds on foreign image management instead of improving security, healthcare and living standards.
“No government in Africa has ever committed such an obscene sum to a short‑term public relations exercise,” the ADC said.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, called the arrangement “defective, deceptive and shameful” in an interview.
He questioned why the government would hire a foreign lobbying firm despite having a full Ministry of Information and experienced media personnel and urged clarification on whether the contract was included in the 2025 national budget and why it was processed through a private law firm.
Ememobong also said that lobbying cannot replace real action on insecurity and governance, adding that the best way to improve Nigeria’s image abroad is to protect lives and property at home.
“No lobbying or strategic communication firm can create narratives that will replace the lived experiences of the people,” he said, urging the government to focus on sustainable solutions.
The NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, echoed concerns about the cost amid rising inflation, unemployment and insecurity, saying the funds could be better used to address domestic challenges. He suggested that having fully posted and active ambassadors abroad would be a more effective way to communicate Nigeria’s interests.
Opposition reactions reflect broader public debate on the perceived value and transparency of the reported contract. Critics argue that high‑profile international spending on image management could distract from urgent national issues such as insecurity, economic decline and public welfare.
Next steps: The parties and civil society groups are expected to continue pushing for transparency and accountability from the Federal Government regarding the contract details, its budgeting, and the expected outcomes of the lobbying engagement.
