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The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into a $9 million contract with a Washington-based lobbying firm, DCI Group, to counter claims of Christian persecution and influence the United States government’s perception of Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities. Documents filed with the United States Department of Justice and first reported by TheCable show that the agreement was facilitated by Kaduna-based law firm, Aster Legal, on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. Under the contract, DCI Group is mandated 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 destabilising elements.” The agreement stipulates a monthly fee of $750,000, amounting to $9 million over a 12-month period. It commenced with an initial six-month term set to expire on June 30, 2026, with an automatic renewal clause for an additional six months. Read Also: Tinubu Says Nigeria to Generate Up to $3bn Yearly From Carbon Market Kano Govt Strengthens Digital Journalism Through Ethics-Focused Media Retreat US Delivers Military Supplies to Nigeria to Support Security Operations Records indicate that Nigeria made an upfront payment of $4.5 million on December 12, 2025, covering the first half of the contract, while the balance is expected to be paid upon completion of the initial term. The contract also provides that either party may terminate the agreement “for any reason without penalty” by giving a 60-day written notice. The lobbying move follows growing diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Washington over allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria. In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing violence against Christians. Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected the designation, arguing that insecurity in the country stems from terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than religious targeting. Tensions further escalated in November when President Trump suggested the possibility of direct U.S. intervention, including potential military action, to protect Christian communities. The situation intensified on Christmas Day when the U.S. military carried out airstrikes on terrorist targets in Bauni Forest, Sokoto State, signalling increased U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations. In response, the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to engaging the United States through diplomatic and legal channels to address what it described as misconceptions surrounding the safety of Christian communities in Nigeria.

The United States has delivered military supplies to Nigerian security agencies to support ongoing security operations across the country. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the delivery in a post on X on Tuesday, noting that the supplies were handed over in Abuja. “US forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM stated. Read Also: Trump Acknowledges Muslims Are Also Killed in Nigeria Nigeria has continued to grapple with rising insecurity in recent months, with incidents of banditry, terrorism, and mass kidnappings reported in several parts of the country. The development comes amid heightened military cooperation between both countries. On Christmas Day, US forces reportedly carried out airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in North-West Nigeria as part of efforts to degrade criminal and extremist networks threatening regional stability. (Channels)

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The President’s aircraft touched down at the Zayed International Airport at about 11:30 pm local time on Sunday, where he was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tinubu is in the UAE at the official invitation of the country’s President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week serves as a global forum that brings together world leaders, industry experts and civil society organisations to deliberate on critical issues bordering on energy innovation and the financial frameworks required to drive renewable energy transitions. Read Also: NARD Suspends Planned January 12 Strike APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf’s Possible Defection Redraws Kano Politics Former APC National Chairman Ganduje Back in Nigeria After Dubai Vacation According to an earlier statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly in the areas of green energy and economic cooperation. The statement noted that President Tinubu is expected to use the platform to position Nigeria as a key player in global sustainable development efforts, while seeking to attract foreign investment and forge partnerships aligned with the country’s national growth objectives. The 2026 edition of the summit, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” is focused on bridging the gap between climate ambition and concrete action through three core pillars of innovation, finance and people.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Abuja Immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has returned to Nigeria after spending several weeks on vacation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dr. Ganduje arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m. aboard an Emirates Airline flight and has since departed for Abuja. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Muhammad Garba, Chief of Staff to the former APC National Chairman, which noted that Dr. Ganduje’s return would be followed by a series of consultations and stakeholders’ meetings centred on recent political developments in Kano State. According to the statement, the engagements are aimed at reviewing the evolving political landscape and enabling wide consultations with party leaders and other critical stakeholders. Read Also: Abba Yusuf’s Calculated Defection Leaves Old Loyalists Politically Exposed APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Kano Politics: Ganduje’s Leadership Remains APC’s Strongest Asset Dr. Ganduje is also expected to participate in the ongoing APC nationwide electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise. The initiative, which was introduced during his tenure as National Chairman of the party, is designed to modernise the APC’s membership database, improve internal planning, and ensure that membership records are comprehensive, credible, and easily accessible. The former governor, the statement added, remains committed to strengthening party structures and promoting inclusive dialogue in support of democratic consolidation within the APC, particularly in Kano State.