$9M Contract Won’t Solve Insecurity, Experts Tell Nigerian Government: PR Isn’t the Answer

Dr. Sulaiman Ishak Muhamad, a criminologist and security specialist from the Department of Criminology and Security Studies at Federal University, Dutse, has cautioned that Nigeria’s security framework may be exposed and its sovereignty weakened by the Federal Government’s reported $9 million lobbying contract in the United States.
The comments were made by Dr. Muhammad in response to accusations that the Nigerian government employed a lobbying group with headquarters in the United States to convey its strategy for safeguarding Christian communities in Nigeria.

He claims that Oscar Legal Firm in Kaduna, operating on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), signed the deal on December 17, 2025.

He said that the $9 million contract with the lobbying firm, DCI Group, was for a period of six months and that it was automatically renewing.

He revealed that the Nigerian government has already made an upfront payment of $4.5 million and that the deal calls for the company to earn $750,000 per month.

In an exclusive interview, Muhammad stated, “The essence of this contract is to deny claims that Christian communities in Nigeria are being neglected, isolated, exploited, or killed.”

“The government wants to convey that it is dedicated to safeguarding Christian communities and that this does not occur in Nigeria.”

He clarified that the agreement is intended to portray Nigeria as a country that is safer and more protective of its people.

The lobbying effort is anticipated to enhance Nigeria’s diplomatic standing internationally, particularly with the United States, he continued.

He claims that the contract has advantages.

“International financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF, as well as trade and exportation, may recognize Nigeria as a major economic player on a global scale,” he stated.

“Politically, Nigeria may be perceived and recognized as a democratic state, and the country’s social image may improve.”

Dr. Muhammad cautioned that there are significant drawbacks to the accord, especially in terms of national security.

“What Nigeria does internally in the name of protection may be revealed by this contract. The United States is a major participant, and its goals might extend beyond defending Christian communities.

He warned that Nigeria would be subject to political and economic pressure from other countries as a result of the arrangement.

Additionally, he pointed out that strong nations frequently use support as an excuse to pursue more expansive goals.

Oil, lithium, gold, and other natural resources are among the economic interests at stake. Nigeria has long piqued interest, particularly due to its natural resources.

Dr. Muhammad further cautioned that once international forces start to express concerns about a nation, “they do not stop.”

They still pose a hazard to every part of your system. Nigeria’s security and defense capabilities deteriorate as it becomes more susceptible to these attacks.

Additionally, he voiced worry that granting foreigners access to Nigeria’s security systems—even under the guise of aid—could erode the country’s independence.

“A country frequently takes advantage of the opportunity to fully comprehend your system when it gains access to your security framework in the name of aid,” he stated.

He referred to this as yet another neocolonization process.

“We are now a sovereign nation, and it indicates that we have lost and are losing our leverage, liberty as a nation, and sovereignty as a nation to the United States of America when we are asked to do, not to do, and protect claim by another country that is also a sovereign nation.”

He says that history demonstrates the frequent loss of peace and stability in nations where foreign forces interfere under humanitarian or religious pretexts.

According to him, “many of these countries have ceased to be peaceful nations because the relationships between stronger countries and lower ones are typically exploitative in nature.”

Nigeria’s expanding economic potential, notably its oil production and refinery strength, may also draw outside pressure, Dr. Mohamad continued.

Nigerian refineries are a shared interest since Nigeria currently produces enough oil to feed its people and even supply the rest of the globe. The largest oil refinery in Africa is located in Nigeria, which poses a threat to the United States and its allies. They may attempt to influence Nigeria to serve their interests, which could have a variety of consequences.

“Many important parties will be impacted, but the Nigerian government needs to be extremely sensitive, flexible, and unwavering in defending Nigerian society’s leverage and sovereignty against foreign threats and interests.

These are international interests, these are foreign threats, and because history has demonstrated that these interests never stop, they may inflict significant harm to Nigeria.

“Therefore, the Nigerian government needs to be dedicated to comprehending the type of relationship and treaties it enters into with the United States of America,” he stated.

He cautioned Nigeria to exercise caution because such pressure could jeopardize internal stability and undermine the nation’s security balance.

He claims that there is currently peaceful coexistence between the Christian and Muslim groups in Nigeria in terms of politics, society, and the economy, as well as mutual respect.

But he warned that assertions promoted by the foreign community could widen rifts and jeopardize national cohesion.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s rich diversity—more than 500 languages and more than 350 ethnic groups—makes it particularly susceptible to alarming narratives, whether or not they are accurate, since these views can affect how people perceive their country and one another.

$9 million contract: A security analyst criticizes FG, saying that PR cannot address insecurity

In a similar vein, Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu, a Nigerian security analyst, has criticized the Federal Government’s alleged $9 million lobbying contract in the US, cautioning that serious security action at home cannot be replaced by public relations initiatives overseas.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Adamu claimed that the action is indicative of a more serious strategic issue with Nigeria’s handling of insecurity.

As a security expert, Muslim, and Nigerian, he stated, “I see this lobbying contract as a symptom of a deeper problem, not a solution.”

The analyst was responding to claims that the Federal administration of Nigeria had engaged a lobbying firm to assist in informing the US administration about its efforts to defend Christians in Nigeria.

From a security perspective, Adamu emphasized that violence affects Christians, Muslims, and traditional societies equally and that no amount of international pressure can stop Nigeria’s growing instability.

“There is genuine insecurity in Nigeria that transcends all racial and religious boundaries. A complicated subject is oversimplified when it is framed narrowly for foreign audiences as a “Christian protection” issue.

He claims that rather than religious persecution, Nigeria’s security issues are caused by terrorism, banditry, lax law enforcement, inadequate intelligence cooperation, and governance shortcomings.

“As a Muslim, I deny that religious persecution is tolerated by the Nigerian government. There is no religious conflict here. The legal system and security institutions are to blame.

He cautioned that Nigeria’s reputation abroad could be harmed if it sold a counter-narrative outside without addressing obvious issues at home.

“Public relations cannot solve insecurity.”

Adamu emphasized that credibility in security diplomacy comes from achievements, not contracts, even if he acknowledged that countries all around the world occasionally employ lobbying firms.

“International lobbying is a common practice. However, credibility is gained by quantifiable advancements in police capability, accountability, intelligence-led operations, and civilian protection.

He continued by saying that rather than spending millions of dollars on lobbying, the most effective message to the US and the world community would be tangible progress in addressing insecurity.

Measurable advancements in civilian protection, police capability, intelligence-led operations, and accountability—rather than costly lobbying—would be the most effective message to Washington and the rest of the globe. In conclusion, resolving Nigeria’s domestic security issues will have a greater global impact than any lobbyist could ever hope to achieve, he stated.

Mahdi Shehu: Admitting failure through lobbying over instability

Speaking as well, public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu denounced the Federal administration’s alleged $9 million lobbying contract in the US, characterizing it as an acknowledgement that the administration has failed to address domestic insecurity.

In an exclusive interview, Shehu revealed this.

According to Shehu, “engaging consultants or lobby groups to sell so-called efforts on insecurity is simply admitting that the claim is true.”

“Noise is not as powerful as action.”

He questioned why, given its tangible accomplishments, the government would spend over N16 billion on consulting and lobbying.

He questioned, “Why would you need N16 billion just to communicate what actions you have taken?”

“Panic diplomacy wouldn’t be necessary if actual work was being done on the ground.”

He claims that at a time when many Nigerians are facing hunger, unemployment, and insecurity, the expenditure is careless and demonstrates bad judgment.

“This N16 billion consulting is costly and superfluous. It illustrates this government’s recklessness and desperation to hold onto power.

Shehu maintained that the funds could have been utilized to directly enhance the quality of life for common Nigerians.

He claimed that the money might have decreased unemployment and helped thousands of small enterprises.

Approximately 64,000 Nigerians might receive N250,000 each as seed money with N16 billion. Over 640,000 people could avoid unemployment and idleness thanks to the multiplier effect.

Additionally, he accused the administration of nepotism, claiming that a law firm associated with the President’s ethnic group was given the contract.

He called the action “open nepotism” and claimed that “this money has been handed to Tinubu’s tribesmen’s legal chamber.”

Contracts for consulting are expected to adhere to procurement regulations. However, we are witnessing the handpicking, awarding, disbursement, and disregard of the feelings of Nigerians.

Shehu remarked, “Every day is for the thief, one day is for the owner.”