The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the reported $9 million public relations and lobbying contract awarded by the Federal Government to a United States, based firm as disturbing, deceptive, and a clear misplacement of priorities.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party said it was reacting to reports that the Federal Government, acting through Aster Legal, engaged DCI Group to manage international communication on Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities under a six-month contract, with an automatic renewal clause for another six months.
The opposition party said it was indefensible for an administration with a full Ministry of Information, multiple media aides, and information officers in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad to outsource image management to a foreign firm. According to the PDP, the move points to a lack of confidence in the government’s own communication structures.
It further noted that the development is difficult to justify, given that the Ministry of Information is headed by a seasoned public relations professional who has demonstrated competence and restraint in managing government information in recent years.
The PDP called on the Presidency to clarify whether the contract was captured in the 2025 budget, why it was executed through a private law firm rather than the Federal Ministry of Justice, the relevance of information and public relations officers posted to foreign missions, and the Key Performance Indicators set for the engagement.
The party maintained that no lobbying or strategic communications firm can override the lived experiences of citizens in an era of real-time global information flow. It argued that Nigeria’s international reputation is shaped by the safety and welfare of its people, not by expensive public relations contracts.
The PDP advised President Bola Tinubu to focus on addressing insecurity and protecting lives and property across the country, stressing that ensuring the safety of all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, and guaranteeing freedom of worship will naturally determine the nation’s global perception.
Editor: Ada Ononye
