Nigeria’s $9 Million Image-Laundering Debacle: Misplaced Priorities, Diplomatic Failure and the Cost of Reputation Over Security.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

“Why Abuja’s Decision to Spend Millions on U.S. Lobbying Amid Deepening Insecurity and Economic Hardship Is a National Embarrassment.”

In a decision that has sparked domestic outrage and intensified global scrutiny, the Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into a $9 million (about ₦13.5 billion) lobbying contract with a Washington-based public affairs firm in a bid to shape the narrative over alleged “GENOCIDE” claims against Christians in the country. The contract, which was executed on December 17, 2025, was signed on behalf of the Nigerian government by Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm and DCI Group, an American lobbying and public affairs company. The agreement mandates that DCI Group help communicate Nigeria’s actions to protect Christian communities and sustain U.S. support for counter-terrorism efforts.

Yet, this costly engagement abroad has provoked resounding condemnation from political parties, civil society organizations and policy analysts who argue that such an expenditure (at a time of worsening insecurity and economic hardship) reflects a distorted sense of national priority and diplomatic failure.

A $9 Million Contract Amid Crises at Home. Under the terms of the contract, Nigeria paid an upfront $4.5 million on December 12, 2025, covering the first six months of the lobbying engagement. The remaining amount is structured as a monthly retainer of $750,000, bringing the total value to $9 million over one year, with the initial period running until June 30, 2026, and subject to automatic renewal unless terminated by either party with a 60-day notice.

The ostensible objective, officials say, is to “assist the Nigerian government in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities and maintaining U.S. support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilizing elements.”

On its face, this may seem like a legitimate diplomatic engagement. However, critics argue it is reductive, counterproductive and a glaring misallocation of public funds at a time when Nigerians are confronted with everyday threats and from rampant banditry and terrorism to crippling inflation and infrastructure decay.

Misplaced Priorities, According to Critics. Commentators and civil society leaders have condemned the contract as scandalous, indefensible and morally blind. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), for instance, described the expenditure as “OBSCENE,” saying no amount of paid lobbying would hide the government’s failure to protect lives and property at home. The party’s National Publicity Secretary said: “While the ADC recognizes the importance of representing Nigeria’s interests internationally, spending $9 million on image management at a time when millions of Nigerians cannot afford food, fuel, or basic healthcare is a clear case of misplaced priorities and moral blindness.”

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) labeled the public relations contract “DEFECTIVE and DECEPTIVE,” questioning why a government with vacant ambassadorial positions would outsource core diplomatic functions to a private law firm and yet fail to articulate its record effectively through its own diplomatic corps.

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also weighed in, calling the move a “senseless waste of public funds” when those resources could have been deployed to address security gaps that have cost thousands of lives and displaced millions.

Diplomacy by Proxy: A Sign of Institutional Weakness?

The Nigerian government’s turn to paid lobbying in Washington exposes a deeper institutional weakness in Nigeria’s diplomatic architecture. Diplomats and foreign service professionals are meant to champion Nigeria’s interests abroad. Yet, the reliance on external firms suggests that the government views international image management as a technical exercise to be contracted rather than a fundamental part of statecraft to be pursued through capable, accountable institutions.

An experienced former foreign service officer, speaking anonymously, noted: “A government that has left key ambassadorial positions vacant now seeks to outsource diplomacy to lobbyists, further weakening Nigeria’s institutional credibility and reducing foreign policy to transactional propaganda.” This view echoes widespread concern that international perception cannot be effectively rebranded without genuine improvement in security and governance on the ground.

The Genocide Narrative and Its Complexity. The backdrop to this lobbying contract is a contentious narrative surrounding alleged violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. In 2025, influential U.S. political figures, including former President Donald Trump, characterized the violence as “GENOCIDE,” a designation the Nigerian government has firmly rejected. Nigerian authorities insist that insecurity affects all communities irrespective of religion, attributing violence to terrorism, banditry and criminality rather than systematic religious persecution.

Yet the issue has gained traction among foreign policymakers, think tanks and diaspora advocates who argue that ethno-religious violence in Nigeria is intensifying and requires urgent international attention. This has created a competitive narrative environment in Washington, with various lobbyists, including groups linked to pro-Biafra activism, vying to influence U.S. policy and perceptions. According to recent reporting, Nigeria may well be outspending these lobbyists in an effort to shape the narrative in its favour.

While the debate is complex and multifaceted, the government’s heavy investment in narrative management abroad raises a fundamental question: Why spend millions on perception management when realities on the ground cry out for sound governance and security solutions?

A Government Under Pressure. Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach comes at a time when its international standing is under pressure. Aside from allegations of targeted violence, the country grapples with allegations of human rights violations in various regions and concern over the effectiveness of its counter-terrorism strategies. Meanwhile, within Nigeria, citizens face deteriorating economic conditions, skyrocketing inflation and daily insecurity.

A respected international relations scholar, Professor Amina Yusuf, summed up the dilemma: “Reputation is a by-product of reality, not a substitute for it. A government cannot buy legitimacy abroad while legitimacy at home collapses.”

This insight is particularly poignant in a nation where tertiary education experts and economists have repeatedly argued that security and economic stability are prerequisites for a positive global image and not the other way around. Investing in robust public institutions and ensuring citizens’ safety should logically precede investment in public relations abroad.

Toward an Authentic National Narrative. If Nigeria is to defend its global image effectively, the starting point must be substantive improvements at home. International audiences (policymakers, investors and civil society) look beyond glossy talking points to concrete developments: declining rates of violence, improved access to justice, respect for human rights and economic progress.

A veteran diplomatic analyst, Ambassador (ret.) Chukwuemeka Okafor, stresses this point: “Diplomacy without results is propaganda, and propaganda without results is hypocrisy. Our ambassadors must be empowered to tell our story, grounded in progress, not spin.”

The current approach (outsourcing narrative management while core domestic issues fester) runs the risk of projecting desperation rather than confidence. It is akin to repainting a crumbling wall instead of repairing the foundation.

Summative Perspective: Rebuilding Trust Through Action. Nigeria’s $9 million image management deal with a U.S. lobbying firm lays bare a deeper crisis of governance. It exemplifies a decisions-over-delivery mindset, prioritizing perception over performance. At a time when millions of Nigerians face insecurity, economic hardship and eroding trust in state institutions, this contract underscores a leadership disconnected from the immediate needs of its people.

A government that truly cares about its global reputation must first ensure security, accountability and prosperity at home. Only then can international narratives shift, but not through paid lobbyists but through undeniable progress. As Professor Yusuf aptly concludes: “A nation’s reputation is earned in the field, not bought in the boardroom.”

This report was compiled with reference to multiple sources including Nigeria’s recent $9 million lobbying engagement to counter alleged genocide claims and critical analyses of the broader political responses.

NLM kicks as INEC refuses to register political movement 

The leadership of the Nigerian Liberty Movement (NLM), a political movement seeking registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and INEC for excluding some political associations from party registration.

In the NLM’s special communique titled ‘INEC’s Stubborn Refusal to Certify NLM: Another Proof of Tyranny Under Bola Tinubu’s Repressive Administration, Nigerians Will Not Be Silenced’, and released to the media, the communique stated, “INEC has stubbornly refused to issue our certificate as a legitimate political party. We were the first association to express interest and declare our serious intention. We have fulfilled every single legal requirement demanded by the Electoral Act 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with no shortcuts and no excuses.”

The communique, which was signed by the National Leader of Nigerian Liberty Movement, Amb ThisDayMoses Adebisi, who is also known as ThisDaysMoses/Al’Musa, said, “We, the Nigerian Liberty Movement (NLM), ThisDaysMoses / Al’Musa, National Leader of NLM, are sounding the alarm once more against this shameless injustice staring us all in the face.”

According to him, “This is not a delay. This is pure sabotage and deliberate wickedness. This once again shows the tyranny of this Bola Tinubu repressive administration, its ugly face to crush any group daring to fight for real liberation, end bad governance, wipe out corruption, stop insecurity, remove impunity, stop genocide, and the endless suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

“We submitted our complete application back in June 2024, far ahead of many others who have already moved forward or even gotten attention.”

ThisDayMoses, who said that NLM had completed all processes with INEC long before the deadline, said, “We gave INEC everything: full nationwide membership spread all the 36 states plus FCT, verified physical operations, functional headquarters, submitted constitution, manifesto, logo, passed inspections, every correspondence, and every single thing required is in their hands! Yet they sit on it like it’s nothing. They deny us our democratic right. They block the voice of millions.”

“This wicked pattern only makes our fire burn hotter. The NLM was born to enlighten Nigerians, raise selfless leaders, advocate for justice, and finally end this era of bad leadership that has kept our people in chains.”

In a direct message to the INEC chairman and those involved in this manipulative act, he stated that the members of the Nigerian Liberty Movement (NLM) from every village, town, city, and corner of this nation are fully ready and mobilized.

He said, “We will come out en masse in a powerful, strong but peaceful protest if you fail to certify us this week! Starting Monday next week (January 19, 2026), our people will flood every INEC State Headquarters across the 36 states and the National Headquarters in Abuja,” ThisDayMoses revealed.

These protests, according to him, will go on daily, non-stop, until you announce our certification and grant what is rightfully ours by law before it’s too late, so you can easily re-rig your con principal back into the most sacred office in the Nation.

“Be informed that NLM’s National Leader intelligence and global coordination team, who fearlessly wrote to the United States Government and POTUS, exposing the genocide happening in Nigeria and how Nigerian leaders are directly involved in fueling the insecurity destroying our country.

You all saw what happened afterward, the international attention, the diplomatic pressure, the global eyes opened wide! Do not play with fire again. The world is watching, and we will make sure they see everything.”

“If INEC fails to announce and certify us this week, despite our fully functional systems, physical headquarters, proven legitimacy, and complete compliance as a genuine political association, we will drag you to court at the Federal High Court next week. We will sue for immediate certification, damages, and complete justice for the suffering this delay has caused millions of aggrieved Nigerians.”

ThisDayMoses also threatened to petition some international organisations and civil society organisations should the decision to deregister them not be reversed.

And if, God forbid, as it has happened too many times, the Federal High Court refuses to uphold the rule of law as we have seen before, we will take this fight global immediately! We will petition and expose everything to: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), Commonwealth of Nations, European Union (EU), International Republican Institute (IRI), National Democratic Institute (NDI), Carter Center, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), United Nations (UN), Joint International Observation Missions, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and all Foreign Embassies and Bilateral Missions here in Nigeria.

Impeachment: Group Cautions Rivers CJ Against Playing into the Hands of Rivers Lawmakers

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership (ACDL) has issued a strong caution to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, on the critical need for judicial independence in the face of the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.

The group’s intervention comes at a pivotal moment, as the Rivers State House of Assembly, under Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has ramped up its efforts to oust the executive duo.

This follows a series of dramatic shifts, including a recent U-turn by four lawmakers who recommitted to the impeachment push after briefly advocating for dialogue, citing alleged media attacks from the governor’s camp as evidence of bad faith.

The Assembly’s latest resolution to forward a request for an investigative panel to the Chief Judge marks a formal escalation, confirming that impeachment notices have been served in line with constitutional requirements.

The group warned that the judiciary must safeguard its independence amid the escalating political crisis, which stems from long-standing tensions between the governor and factions in the Assembly.

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership stated that the Chief Judge should exercise utmost caution to avoid being drawn into what it described as partisan maneuvers by the lawmakers.

The group, through its Executive Director, Barrister Nedu Ekwueme, emphasized that the role of the Chief Judge in appointing a seven-member panel of unquestionable integrity must remain free from external influence or pressure.

Barrister Nedu Ekwueme said: “The judiciary must remain the last bastion of hope for justice and fairness in our democracy.”

He continued: “We caution Justice Chibuzor-Amadi against allowing himself to be manipulated by lawmakers whose actions appear driven by vendetta rather than constitutional duty.”

Barrister Ekwueme further stated: “This impeachment process has all the hallmarks of a political witch-hunt. The Chief Judge must not play into the hands of these lawmakers, as doing so would erode public trust in the judiciary and set a precedent for future abuses of power.”

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership pointed out that historical precedents in Nigeria demonstrate the dangers of hasty or improperly constituted panels, citing cases where courts later intervened to correct procedural flaws despite constitutional provisions.

Barrister Nedu Ekwueme noted: “We have seen in the past how hasty judicial panels have fueled crises rather than resolved them, as in the cases of Governors Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State, Peter Obi of Anambra State, and Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, where impeachments were nullified due to violations of due process.”

He added: “Rivers State cannot afford another round of needless turmoil; the Chief Judge should prioritize due process over expediency.”

The group stressed the importance of strict adherence to constitutional guidelines, including the requirement for the panel to investigate allegations thoroughly within three months and report back to the people.

Barrister Nedu Ekwueme asserted: “The people of Rivers deserve leaders who focus on development, not distractions. By cautioning the CJ, we aim to prevent a scenario where the judiciary becomes a pawn in this high-stakes game, ultimately harming the state’s progress.”

The Africa Centre for Democracy and Leadership called on the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to closely monitor the process and uphold judicial independence.