Nigeria’s engagement of a United States lobbying firm has sparked fresh questions over the cost, purpose and effectiveness of the government’s diplomatic strategy, particularly as President Bola Tinubu marks his third consecutive absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA session in New York, renewing debate over the diplomatic value of presidential participation at one of the world’s largest gatherings of political leaders.

The scrutiny comes amid Nigeria’s reported engagement of Washington-based DCI Group under a contract that could be worth up to $9 million.

Documents filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) show that Kaduna-based Aster Legal retained DCI Group on Nigeria’s behalf in December 2025. The initial six-month agreement was valued at $4.5 million, or $750,000 monthly, with a possible renewal that could raise the total to $9 million.

The firm’s stated mandate includes helping Nigeria communicate its efforts to protect Christian communities and sustain US support for countering jihadist groups and other destabilising forces in West Africa.

The arrangement has also prompted questions about the role of Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, diplomatic missions and career diplomats, and whether external lobbyists provide specialised capacity unavailable within the country’s diplomatic institutions.

Beyond the cost, analysts say the government would need to demonstrate the concrete diplomatic, security or economic gains delivered by the engagement and justify its value to Nigerian taxpayers.