Ballard Partners, an international lobbying firm, has appointed the immediate-past minister of information and culture Lai Mohammed, as its managing partner for Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement shared on the official Twitter handle of the firm on Tuesday.
The statement reads, “Ballard Partners, one of the top government relations firms in the United States, is opening its first office in Africa in Abuja, Nigeria, the nation’s capital”.
“Lai Mohammed, the immediate past Nigeria minister of information and culture, will serve as the managing partner of the Abuja office and the firm’s satellite office in Lagos, the nation’s financial centre.”
According to Brian Ballard, the firm’s president, said Mr Mohammed was given the role because he “is one of the most respected officials in the country”.
“Opening our first African office in Nigeria expands our firm’s international footprint to three continents and builds upon the important work we have done on behalf of African nations and companies in Africa and the U.S.
“We are honoured to have former minister Lai Mohammed join the firm as our managing partner in Nigeria. He has a long record of public service and is one of the most respected officials in the country. His outstanding reputation and exceptional experience will be invaluable to our firm’s clients,” he said.
Reacting to his new appointment, the former minister said the firm has a perfect record globally and is delighted to be a part of the firm.
He said, “I am very pleased to join Ballard Partners and to open the firm’s first office in Africa. Ballard Partners has an impeccable reputation internationally and is well known for its success representing African countries and American firms in Africa.”
