A former mayor of Blanco, Texas, Mike Arnold, has alleged that the Nigerian government paid $9 million to a U.S.-based lobbying firm to counter narratives of a Christian genocide in the country.
Arnold made the claim in a series of posts on his verified X account today, alleging that the Bola Tinubu administration, through the Office of the National Security Adviser, engaged DCI Group under a multimillion-dollar contract to communicate Nigeria’s efforts at protecting Christian communities to the United States government.
According to him, documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice show that the contract was executed through a Kaduna-based law firm, Aster Legal, on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in December 2025.
He said the agreement was aimed at reshaping international narratives around religious violence in Nigeria.
Arnold claimed the six-month contract, valued at $750,000 per month, runs until June 30, 2026, with provisions for an automatic renewal for another six months unless terminated with prior notice by either party.
He further alleged that the DCI Group assigned a nine-member team to the account, including senior political figures with past involvement in U.S. presidential campaigns.
In his posts, Arnold criticised the Nigerian government’s approach, arguing that the lobbying effort prioritised narrative management over addressing insecurity on the ground.
He also accused the administration of using public funds to influence international perception while violent attacks continue in parts of the country.
The Nigerian government has yet to officially respond to the allegations.