Dr. Sulaiman Ishak Muhamad, a criminologist and security expert, warned that the Nigerian federal government’s $9 million lobbying contract with the United States could jeopardize Nigeria’s internal security apparatus and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Dr. Muhamad, from the Institute of Criminology and Security Studies at Dutse Federal University, was responding to reports that the Nigerian government had hired a US lobbying firm to promote its efforts to protect Christian communities in Nigeria.
According to available information, the contract was signed on December 17, 2025, by a Nigerian law firm acting on behalf of the Office of the National Security Advisor. The $9 million, six-month agreement is renewable and includes an initial payment of $4.5 million followed by monthly installments.
Dr. Muhamad explained that the agreement aims to counter international portrayals of Nigeria’s Christian communities as being targeted or neglected, and to present the country as a safe haven for all its citizens. He acknowledged that such lobbying efforts could improve Nigeria’s image and diplomatic standing internationally, particularly with international institutions and foreign governments.
However, he cautioned that the risks could outweigh the benefits.
“This agreement could expose sensitive internal security processes under the guise of protection,” he warned, adding that powerful countries often pursue broader political and economic interests than the stated objectives of such agreements.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s strategic resources, including oil and minerals, make it a prime target for global interests, and highlighted that external pressure could be exerted once foreign powers gain a better understanding of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Dr. Muhamad also described the agreement as a potential avenue to neocolonial influence and warned that foreign states’ access to national security systems, even indirectly, could undermine Nigeria’s independence.
“When another sovereign state begins to interfere in your internal affairs, it signals a loss of influence and sovereignty,” he said.
He also cautioned against exacerbating internal divisions in a country with great ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity—despite the historical coexistence of Christian and Muslim communities—by framing Nigeria’s insecurity in a religious context.
Security analyst Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu shared these concerns and criticized the use of international lobbying. He argued that public relations efforts cannot replace concrete security reforms at the national level.
“Insecurity in Nigeria is a reality and affects all segments of the population, regardless of their religion,” Adamu said. “No amount of lobbying can solve the problems of terrorism, gang crime, weaknesses in law enforcement, or failures in intelligence services.”
He warned that attempting to address international criticism without concrete improvements on the ground could damage Nigeria’s credibility. He emphasized that genuine progress in protecting civilians and strengthening accountability would have a far greater global impact than any lobbying agreement.
Political expert Mahdi Shehu also condemned the revealed agreement, calling it an admission of failure to combat internal insecurity. He questioned the justification for spending billions on consulting and lobbying amidst an economic crisis.
“If real progress were being made, this costly PR stunt would be unnecessary,” Shehu said, adding that the funds could have been used to create jobs, support small businesses, and directly improve security.
Political expert Mahdi Shehu also condemned the revealed agreement, calling it an admission of failure to combat internal insecurity. While the debate continues, this lobbying agreement has raised further concerns regarding Nigeria’s security strategy, budget priorities, and the long-term consequences of foreign interference in sensitive internal affairs.
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