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Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship - Politics - Nairaland

Nairaland ForumNairaland GeneralPoliticsMatthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship (7410 Views)

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Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Maxymilliano(op): 10:47am On Feb 03
Matthew Tonlagha, vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, has hired a Washington-based lobbying firm for the “purpose of strengthening the bilateral relationship” between the United States and Nigeria.

Tonlagha, through his company, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, hired Valcour Global Public Strategy, a global public strategy firm specialising in shaping public policy, political opinion and media.

According to the document filed with the US Department of Justice, the contract was signed by Tonlagha and Matt Mowers, the president of the lobbying firm, on December 16, 2025.

Mowers served as a senior White House advisor in the US Department of state during the first term of President Donald Trump. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Based on the contract details, the lobbying firm is expected to “provide consulting services for strategic communications & government affairs with US media and government officials, including the US Congress and Executive Branches, for the purpose of strengthening the bilateral relationship between the US and Nigeria.”

The contract was agreed to take effect from December 15, 2025, to June 14, 2026. The Nigerian engineering company is expected to pay $120,000 per month to the lobbying firm, “payable quarterly in advance by check or wire transfer”.

Prior to the registration of the contract, the Nigerian company, on December 31, 2025, paid $105,000 for a “monthly retainer for subcontractor services” to Bridgeway Advocacy.

The sum of $60,000 was paid to Mount Olives LLC on January 5, 2026, for “monthly retainer for subcontractor services”.

Twenty-four hours after the contract was signed, the federal government hired DCI Group, a lobbying firm, in a $9 million contract deal to assist in communicating its actions on protecting Christians in Nigeria to the United States government.

Aster Legal, a law firm in Kaduna state, hired the services of DCI Group on behalf of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA).

The lobbying contracts indicate the desire of the Nigerian government to relate well with the US government amid the conversation of Christian genocide claims.

WHO IS MATTHEW TONLAGHA?

Tonlagha hails from Benikrukru, Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Delta state.

He is the vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, a company awarded the contract for oil pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta area.

Government Ekpemupolo, a former militant known as Tompolo, is the chairperson of the oil pipeline surveillance company.

Tonlagha is the chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited.

According to the information on the company’s website, Maton Engineering is a “multidisciplinary engineering and project support company dedicated to powering the oil & gas industry with reliable, end-to-end solutions.”

Its vice-chairman is one of the loyalists of President Bola Tinubu in the Niger Delta area of the country.

On Monday, Tonlagha organised a flamboyant ceremony in Warri, the Delta state capital, to celebrate his 50th birthday.

The ceremony, which was live streamed on Arise Television and TVC, was attended by Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, and political and traditional leaders in the Niger Delta.

In his speech, Oborevwori asked people to emulate Tonlagha for his “service to humanity” and how he has brought people across the nation together.
https://www.thecable.ng/nigerian-businessman-hires-lobbying-firm-for-720000-to-strengthen-us-nigeria-bilateral-relationship/?fbclid=Iwb21leAPuoTxjbGNrA-6hO2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHrl-Bbajmr5sr2UqEdwuCK_qBPzwHYI6TFA5HTGrYj05nuTiI7civBHGUuwm_aem_NNfKkwU6AqDMhqOhhhvN-g

Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Orlandoo(m): 10:52am On Feb 03
Is it not better to perform well and let your work speak for you than to be a monumental failure and throwing looted money around just to whitewash your unpopular regime! Truth is that Tinubu's discredited and disgraced regime might succeed in deceiving their gullible followers in Nigeria, but can't decieve the rest of the world no matter the amount of money and propaganda they are investing in. A good product sells itself.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by oluwaseyi0: 11:30am On Feb 03
I don't understand
What concern private individual with this

APC and islamic terrorists hiding in disguise to denial the wanton killings going on in Nigeria
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Dreambeat: 11:31am On Feb 03
Lies to shield the failed Tinubu government
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by kolafolabi(m): 11:31am On Feb 03
This is a strategic and calculated move to enhance influence in U.S. policymaking. While framed as strengthening bilateral relations, it’s likely to serve specific economic, political, or security interests of Tonlagha and his companies.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by axglide(m): 11:33am On Feb 03
Great thing going forward since lobbying is legal in the United States.

⚖️ Is Lobbying Legal?

Yes — protected by the Constitution.

The First Amendment gives the right to:

“Petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

That’s the legal foundation of lobbying.


👔 What Lobbyists Actually Do

Not just “bribing” — that’s illegal.

Legal lobbying includes:

1. Meeting lawmakers
2. Explaining why a bill should pass or fail
3. Writing draft laws
4. Many bills are partly written by industry experts
5. Research reports
6. Supplying data to influence decisions
7. Testifying at hearings
8. Speaking in Congress committees
9. Organizing public campaigns
10. Encouraging voters to pressure politicians
11. Fundraising
12. Helping politicians raise campaign money


🎯 Why Lobbying Exists

Government makes decisions that affect:
• Taxes
• Business rules
• Healthcare
• Education
• Technology
• Defense
• Environment

Groups that are affected want their voices heard, so they hire experts to present their side to lawmakers.

In theory, lobbying helps lawmakers:

“Understand how a law will affect real people and industries.”

In reality, money and access create imbalance.

🏛️ What Is Lobbying?

Lobbying = Attempting to influence government officials (especially Congress members, but also agencies and the White House).

A lobbyist speaks on behalf of:
• Companies (Google, Pfizer, Exxon)
• Industries (oil, tech, pharma)
• Labor unions
• Nonprofits & charities
• Religious groups
• Advocacy groups (gun rights, climate change, civil rights)
• Professional associations (lawyers, doctors, teachers)

🧠 Simple Way to Think About It

Lobbying is like hiring a professional spokesperson to argue your case to the government.

Some have megaphones (big money). Some barely have a voice.

Finally repent for the kingdom of God is at hand; accept the Lord Jesus Christ today and be saved from the coming judgement
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by engrchykae(m): 11:35am On Feb 03
In other words,a militant that was rewarded with pipeline Mai guard is lobbying to ensure his mai guard job is safe.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by ogaemma: 11:36am On Feb 03
Is like there is so much money in this Lobby business.
How can I apply to be a Lobbyist?
The world 🌍 must know the truth how Tinubu APC have failed Nigerians.
You can't lobby the truth.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Pootle: 11:38am On Feb 03
ogaemma:
Is like there is so much money in this Lobby business.
How can I apply to be a Lobbyist?
you think say na clear eye work, to convince person to do weytin him no wan do pass 419 work o
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Westman001: 11:39am On Feb 03
oluwaseyi0:
I don't understand
What concern private individual with this

APC and islamic terrorists hiding in disguise to denial the wanton killings going on in Nigeria
It's a company.

Why do you think Dangote was at Saudi Arabia to meet and greet Trump when the POTUS was there last year.

It's for his company interest
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by cr7lomo: 11:40am On Feb 03
Tompolo is now being used to do their bidding.... Trump no be Biden...una just de waste money
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by MrSly(m): 11:41am On Feb 03
Maxymilliano:
https://www.thecable.ng/nigerian-businessman-hires-lobbying-firm-for-720000-to-strengthen-us-nigeria-bilateral-relationship/?fbclid=Iwb21leAPuoTxjbGNrA-6hO2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHrl-Bbajmr5sr2UqEdwuCK_qBPzwHYI6TFA5HTGrYj05nuTiI7civBHGUuwm_aem_NNfKkwU6AqDMhqOhhhvN-g
So Tonlagha is the one lobbying now. Tinubu has handed over. APC likes too many frivolities. I don't know why they think Nigerians are brain depraved. Anyways, they had their way in 2023 so i don't blame them.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by SixSeven:
Appoint your freaking ambassadors and make the institutions work, stop this patch patch here and there wasting our money. There's a reason why some people are career ambassadors and diplomats.

Tantita is an abnormally because there is the Nigerian Navy but we prefer to empower private individuals above state. And if you know when Tantita came to being, you will be wise to know that my comment cuts across both parties. What a country


Edit: in fact, Tantita contract and similar types should be a question our journalists should ask the 2027 Presidential candidates
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by MEGAWATCH: 11:42am On Feb 03
We sane Nigerians will also hire lobbyists in America and Europe to make sure that election criminals both in government and out of government are punished.

It's as simple as ABC.


🙏🙏🙏
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Zocalite: 11:46am On Feb 03
They no go direct this time, na proxy they use this time around

Money meant to improve the lives of Nigerians, they will now pack it and give one idi0t, that one will steal his own and be insulting nigerians that they are lazy

Before they will now give one 0yinb0, wey go come use it to do epstein s3x party

Nigeria is a crime zone

The worst thing is that these are the issues tulumbu and apc were discrediting Jonathan for, but now they are doing worst
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Blunt99: 11:46am On Feb 03
Fronting the federal government.


We know the play.


I have no issues with their billateral relationship as far it fixes the security issues first, and the economic issues second.


But that is also a far cry
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by TechBaron: 11:49am On Feb 03
These are the people that are feasting on our collective wealth. The wealth of the Niger Delta.

Don't think they love Nigeria or believe in whatever they're paying for...

They are just securing their partnership with the government.

Terminate that pipeline security contract and watch them turn to wailers within one calendar year.

But then, it is what it is. If I were in their shoes, I'd do the same!
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Houseofglam7(f): 11:49am On Feb 03
Image laundering.
A disgraced nation is still a disgraced nation until redemption comes.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Elzazzi: 11:50am On Feb 03
Orlandoo:
Is it not better to perform well and let your work speak for you than to be a monumental failure and throwing looted money around just to whitewash your unpopular regime! Truth is that Tinubu's discredited and disgraced regime might succeed in deceiving their gullible followers in Nigeria, but can't decieve the rest of the world no matter the amount of money and propaganda they are investing in. A good product sells itself.
Go to Ijaw villages and even his community and see how people are suffering. Oil spillage is also doing damage to the rivers.
Anyway Tinubu give dem pipelines security contract, so dem must do everything to protect his image.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Zocalite: 11:51am On Feb 03
cr7lomo:
Tompolo is now being used to do their bidding.... Trump no be Biden...una just de waste money
Who told you trump is better Biden

Were you in Somalia when trump said if his friends need money they go to nigeria

That means you are a novice in political issues

So to you trump mean well for nigeria

The only difference between nigeria and US politicians is that US politicians will not inflict on her people for self interest the way nigerian politician do for the citizens
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by BeardedMeat(m): 11:51am On Feb 03
So this is the "Front" that swallowed taxpayers 9m USD on a venture that was Dead on arrival?

Truly, Nigeria is a country of particular concern.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Zocalite: 11:52am On Feb 03
Elzazzi:
Go to Ijaw villages and even his community and see how people are suffering. Oil spillage is also doing damage to the rivers.
Anyway Tinubu give dem pipelines security contract, so dem must do everything to protect his image.
buhari gave them the contract first, tulumbu only renew it
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Bwilliam(m): 11:53am On Feb 03
I honestly don't see the difference between "lobbying" and bribing. The U.S needs to abolish that practice in its government.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Bluntemperor:
Between Nigeria and USA:
👏👍🛟,
•That Is How Things Are Done All Over The World 🌎, Especially In A DEMOCRATIC Government.
•It Is Called DIPLOMACY and is the Platform of Discussions between Nations and Countries with Diverse Interests,so things are ironed out on Mutual Respect , without Suspicion and to build Harmony Amongst Competing Global Interests.
So,it is a New Dawn and Nigeria and USA MUST set the stage for being good Partners: •In ECONOMY ,
•Science 🔭 and Technology Development,
•Good Governance,
•Security and Information Sharing -to tame the Criminals Within and Across the Borders.
•The 2- COUNTRIES have Great Very Active Population- that can form a Fulcrums for good Financial Developments that will benefit the Two Countries.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by AmishaCandra: 11:53am On Feb 03
Strategic engagement with the US is important, especially given current global narratives about Nigeria..... Hopefully this move strengthens relations and delivers real security and economic gains, not just polished messaging....
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by bewla(m): 12:07pm On Feb 03
Very good person
How do we now pay back
In kind for this are the people Nigeria need for its image to be transformed

Not some online
Champion call us zoo country
Yet give free visa to relocate to Ghana them refuses
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Orlandoo(m): 12:08pm On Feb 03
Elzazzi:
Go to Ijaw villages and even his community and see how people are suffering. Oil spillage is also doing damage to the rivers.
Anyway Tinubu give dem pipelines security contract, so dem must do everything to protect his image.
Blacks are special breed of human. Instead of alleviating the suffering of his people, he is dolling out looted money to please outsiders.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by popp(m): 12:11pm On Feb 03
When I feared Tinubu was when he hired "Priest" during the electioneering.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by Burob: 12:13pm On Feb 03
Orlandoo:
Is it not better to perform well and let your work speak for you than to be a monumental failure and throwing looted money around just to whitewash your unpopular regime! Truth is that Tinubu's discredited and disgraced regime might succeed in deceiving their gullible followers in Nigeria, but can't decieve the rest of the world no matter the amount of money and propaganda they are investing in. A good product sells itself.
The bitterness of a Wailer.
Re: Matthew Tonlagha Hires Lobbying Firm To ‘strengthen Us-nigeria Relationship by peleson1: 12:36pm On Feb 03
MEGAWATCH:
We sane Nigerians will also hire lobbyists in America and Europe to make sure that election criminals both in government and out of government are punished.

It's as simple as ABC.


🙏🙏🙏
Hafa thugrin

😂 😂
Hopefully so
1 2 Reply

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