The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Federal Government over its decision to hire a United States-based lobbying firm, DCI Group, under a $9 million contract to improve Nigeria\u2019s image abroad.<\/p>\n
The party questioned why the president would outsource Nigeria\u2019s foreign image management to a foreign firm despite maintaining a fully staffed Ministry of Information and a network of media aides.<\/p>\n
Speaking via a statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, PDP described the deal as \u201cdefective, deceptive, and shameful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ememobong said, \u2018This revelation is as disturbing as it is shameful that a government with a full Ministry of Information and a litany of media aides will be paying a foreign firm to launder its image.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThis is a clear indication that the President does not have confidence in the Ministry of Information and his media aides.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n According to filings with the US Department of Justice, Aster Legal, a Kaduna-based law firm, reportedly contracted DCI Group on behalf of National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.<\/p>\n The engagement, which is to run for six months and automatically renew for another six months, is aimed at \u201cassisting the Nigerian government in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The PDP, however, questioned the rationale and transparency behind the agreement, demanding immediate clarifications from the Presidency.<\/p>\n \u201cWe seek clarification from the Presidency on the following: Was this contract budgeted for in the 2025 budget? Why was it done through a private law firm and not the Federal Ministry of Justice? What are the duties of the Information and Public Relations officers in diplomatic missions abroad? And what are the Key Performance Indicators for this contract?\u201d<\/em> Ememobong queried.<\/p>\n The opposition party further argued that no foreign lobbying firm can alter Nigeria\u2019s global image without genuine improvements in governance and security.<\/p>\n \u201cNo lobbying or strategic communication firm can create narratives that will replace the lived experiences of the people.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n