Nigeria, Jan. 14 -- The Nigerian government has hired an American lobbying firm for $750,000 per month over six months to defend its international reputation in Washington, spending a total of $4.5 million.

The federal government's contract with DCI Group AZ, LLC runs for six months and is valued at $4.5 million.

Under the agreement, DCI Group is mandated to brief the United States government on Nigeria's efforts to protect both Christians and Muslims, while also sustaining American support for Nigeria's campaign against terrorist groups operating in West Africa.

As Nigeria engages lobbyists in Washington, Biafran separatists and other interest groups are simultaneously working to persuade the US government that Christians face systema...