Eshioromeh Sebastian in Abuja
A fierce lobbying war has erupted in Washington D.C., with the Nigerian federal government spending far more than Biafran secessionist groups to influence the Trump administration’s policy toward Nigeria, centered on explosive allegations of a “Christian genocide.”
According to a report by the UK publication, Africa Confidential, President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alarmed by President Donald Trump’s November 2025 threat to intervene in Nigeria “guns ablazing,” has signed a massive contract worth $750,000 per month with the Republican-linked DCI Group.
The six-month, renewable contract is paid via Aster Legal, though the ultimate source of the funds remains undisclosed.
The DCI Group, whose senior advisor Doug Davenport worked on Trump’s campaigns, is tasked with promoting Abuja’s case on U.S. visa policy, military cooperation, trade, and tariffs, while emphasizing government efforts to protect both Christians and Muslims from jihadist violence. The contract is managed by Diane London, a Newsmax columnist with ties to Trump’s circle.
On the opposing side, the Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGE) is paying $66,000 monthly to the smaller Madison & Washington lobbying firm. Their goals include seeking U.S. sanctions against Nigerian officials, arguing for defense cooperation with a hypothetical Biafran state, and promising more favorable oil deals for U.S. companies.
The contract is with Isaiah Harrison Anyaogu (aka Ogechukwu Nkere), who claims to be the acting Prime Minister in exile, though his legitimacy is disputed by the BRGIE’s governing council, which expelled him in August 2025.
The lobbying battle taps into powerful U.S. political networks. The Biafran cause has backing from senior Republicans like Senator Ted Cruz and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, which likely prompted Abuja’s costly counter-move. This influence campaign is directly affecting U.S. policy and military actions.
Following Trump’s threat in November 2025, Nigeria’s National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu held urgent talks in Washington. On December 25, 2025, after Trump’s insistence, the U.S. Air Force launched missile strikes on suspected jihadist targets in northern Nigeria. Trump hinted at more strikes in January 2026, and the U.S. Congress is set to decide on a $346 million sale of precision weapons to Nigeria in the first quarter of 2026.
The Office of the National Security Advisor confirmed the efforts are “yielding fruits,” with over $100 million in military equipment recently received and 12 Bell AH1Z Cobra attack helicopters (worth $997 million) due by 2028. Sources from Aso Rock confirmed the DCI Group engagement, framing it as a “strategic engagement” to communicate Nigeria’s reform and security agenda, strengthen bilateral ties, and shape the narrative on religious freedom.
A DCI Group representative stated they are “pleased to support the Government of Nigeria in communicating its ongoing efforts to protect Christians and people of all faiths.”
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