The Nigerian government has reportedly spent significantly more than pro-Biafra lobbyists in Washington, DC, as both sides seek to influence US President Donald Trump over claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal engaged US public affairs firm DCI Group on behalf of Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s national security adviser (NSA). DCI Group, which has previously supported religious freedom campaigns for Ukraine and influenced EU trade regulations, signed a six-month contract with Nigeria on 17th December 2025. The deal includes an automatic six-month renewal.
Under the agreement, Nigeria will pay a monthly retainer of $750,000, covering all professional fees and expenses. A pre-payment of $4.5 million for six months was made on 12th December 2025. While the source of Aster Legal’s funding was not detailed, insiders told Africa Confidential it could come from either wealthy supporters of President Bola Tinubu or indirectly from the Nigerian government. Diane London was listed as the contractor responsible for handling payments to DCI on behalf of Aster Legal.
The contract instructs DCI to highlight Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities and maintain US support in countering jihadist groups and other destabilising threats. Justin Peterson, DCI’s managing member, and senior advisor Doug Davenport, who has previously worked on multiple Trump campaigns and served on Puerto Rico’s financial oversight board, are leading the engagement. Roger Stone, a long-time Trump ally, also advises the firm.
The lobbying effort is also intended to strengthen trade and investment relations between Nigeria and the US, creating opportunities for economic cooperation.
Huge Gap Between Government and Biafra Lobbying
In January, a month after Nigeria began its lobbying effort, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) signed a contract with Washington & Madison, a DC-based lobbying firm led by Elias Gerasoulis. Gerasoulis previously worked with Moran Global Strategies and had lobbied for pro-Biafra interests in the Trump circle.
According to Africa Confidential, BRGIE pays Washington & Madison $66,000 per month to advocate for sanctions against Nigerian officials, push US engagement with a potential Biafran administration, and gain support for military interventions and oil deals in a future independent Biafra. Gerasoulis is also tasked with informing US officials about the role of Nigerian Southeast state governors in undermining Biafran interests and allegedly allowing foreign influence from countries such as Iran.
The lobbying documents suggest that Biafra’s representatives plan to accuse these governors of complicity in “Christian genocide” and acting against US interests.
Nigerian Lobbying Produces Results
Officials from the NSA’s office said the Nigerian government’s lobbying is already yielding results. Last Tuesday, the US delivered military equipment to Nigerian security agencies to support ongoing operations, with over $100 million in supplies received in recent weeks.
Africa Confidential further reports that at least 12 Bell Textron AH1Z Cobra attack helicopters, valued at $997 million, are scheduled for delivery to Nigeria by 2028. In the first quarter of 2026, the US Congress is expected to decide whether to approve the sale of $346 million in precision bombs and rockets through the Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The Nigerian government’s campaign in Washington illustrates the growing importance of US lobbying for both official and activist groups competing to influence foreign policy on sensitive domestic issues.