Nigeria Spends N500M to Counter Christian Persecution Claims

On December 19, 2025, the Nigerian government disbursed N500 million for a fund aimed at countering Western propaganda regarding alleged Christian persecution. This payment was made under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communications.

The expenditure reflects the government's focus on strategic communications in light of increasing international scrutiny over Nigeria's security issues. In the same year, the Federal Government engaged DCI Group, a U.S.-based lobbying firm, under a $9 million contract to enhance Nigeria's dialogue with U.S. officials concerning attacks on Christian communities.

The contract, signed on December 18, 2025, required a monthly payment of $750,000, with an upfront retainer of $4.5 million. This contract followed U.S.

President Donald Trump's redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to reports of religious persecution. Despite this designation, security cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S. has persisted.