“Strengthen US–Nigeria Ties” — Tompolo’s Vice, Tonlagha, Hires Washington Lobby Firm On $120,000-Per-Month Contract For $720,000 Six-Month Engagement

Matthew Tonlagha, a Nigerian businessman and vice chairman of Tantita Security Services, has hired a United States lobbying and consulting firm through his company, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, to provide strategic communications and government affairs services aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States.

The engagement was disclosed in filings submitted to the US Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by Valcour, LLC, a Washington-based consulting firm.

According to the filing, the contract between Valcour and Maton Engineering took effect on December 30, 2025, after the firm received its first payment, with services formally commencing the same day.

Under the agreement, Valcour is to provide consulting services covering strategic communications and government affairs, engaging with US media outlets, members of the US Congress and officials within the executive branch. The stated objective is “to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria”.

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The consulting contract spans an initial six-month period, running from December 15, 2025, to June 14, 2026, and carries a fee of $120,000 per month, payable quarterly in advance. This brings the value of the initial term to $720,000, excluding reimbursable expenses such as travel and logistics, which are billed separately. The agreement allows either party to terminate the contract after the first 90 days with a 30-day written notice.

The FARA filing also shows that Valcour received multiple payments connected to the engagement, including a $360,000 payment on December 30, 2025, representing the initial quarterly retainer, as well as additional payments from related entities listed as subcontractors for advocacy services.

Valcour disclosed that its activities on behalf of Maton Engineering will include registrable political activities, such as lobbying, perception management, public relations and preparation of informational materials, as defined under US law.

Under US law, foreign individuals, companies or governments that engage American firms to influence public opinion or government policy are required to publicly disclose such relationships through FARA filings.

Tonlagha, who hailed from Delta State, is the vice chairman of Tantita Security Services, a company awarded the contract for oil pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta area, of which Government Ekpemupolo, a former militant known as Tompolo, is the chairperson.

He recently hosted a lavish ceremony to celebrate his 50th birthday in Asaba, Delta State capital, which was attended by Sheriff Oborevwori, the state’s governor, and other influential figures in the Niger Delta region.

Recall that in December, the Nigerian government through Aster Legal, a law firm in Kaduna state, hired Washington-based consulting firm DCI Group for an initial six-month contract worth $4.5 million, paying $750,000 per month. A similar amount is due should the agreement be renewed for another six months, according to filings with the US Department of Justice.

Under the contract, DCI Group is tasked with briefing US officials on Nigeria’s efforts to protect both Christians and Muslims, countering allegations of genocide and sustaining American support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign in West Africa.

The figures sparked outrage back home. At a time of economic strain, critics questioned why billions of naira were being spent to shape narratives abroad instead of strengthening security at home.