Filings under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act showed the two engagements total about $10.2 million, translating to roughly N14 billion, which at N250,000 per business could theoretically support about 56,000 microenterprises.
The Federal Government’s contract with Washington-based DCI Group, retained since December 2025 to communicate Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts to US policymakers, carries a monthly retainer of $750,000, potentially reaching $9 million with renewal. Atiku separately engaged Von Batten-Montague-York under a $1.2 million, 12-month deal aimed at strengthening his standing in Washington policy circles.
RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, questioned the opportunity cost, insisting government spending must be justified against domestic needs like healthcare, education and infrastructure, while distinguishing it from Atiku’s use of private funds.
Analysts noted the same amount could clear tuition for over 155,000 LASU students or fund NELFUND allowances for 700,000 students, though experts like Bismarck Rewane cautioned that cash alone may not guarantee sustainable job creation without complementary infrastructure and credit support.
CDA News Nigeria will continue monitoring this developing accountability debate.
Source verification: Adapted from Sunday Vanguard reporting. CDA News Nigeria adheres to strict editorial standards.
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