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A Nigerian businessman linked to oil pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta has hired a Washington lobbying firm on a $720,000 contract, according to filings in the United States.
The agreement, filed with the U.S. Department of Justice under foreign agent disclosure rules, lists Matthew Tonlagha, vice chairman of Tantita Security Services, as the signatory through Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited. The contract is with Valcour Global Public Strategy, whose president is Matt Mowers, a Republican who served as a senior White House adviser during Donald Trump’s first term.
Valcour is expected to provide consulting on strategic communications and government affairs with U.S. media and government officials, including Congress and the executive branch, with the stated purpose of strengthening the bilateral relationship between the United States and Nigeria. The filing says the work includes outreach to U.S. media and policymakers.
The contract takes effect from Dec. 15, 2025, and runs through June 14, 2026. It sets a fee of $120,000 a month, payable quarterly in advance by check or wire transfer, bringing the total to $720,000.
The filing lists subcontractor related payments made before the contract was registered. Maton Engineering paid $105,000 on Dec. 31, 2025, to Bridgeway Advocacy for a monthly retainer, and paid $60,000 on Jan. 5, 2026, to Mount Olives LLC, also described as a monthly retainer.
Tonlagha’s contract came as Nigeria’s federal government pursues its own lobbying push in Washington. Twenty four hours after his deal was signed, Nigerian media reported that the government hired DCI Group in a $9 million contract to help communicate its actions on protecting Christians in Nigeria to the U.S. government. Aster Legal was reported to have retained DCI Group on behalf of Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s national security adviser.
The lobbying efforts come amid debate in the United States over violence in Nigeria and how it should be characterized.
Tonlagha hails from Benikrukru in the Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State. He is vice chairman of Tantita Security Services, the company awarded the contract for oil pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta. Government Ekpemupolo, a former militant known as Tompolo, chairs the surveillance firm.
Tonlagha is also chairman of Maton Engineering, which describes itself as an engineering and project support company focused on the oil and gas industry. Nigerian media reported that he recently marked his 50th birthday at a ceremony in Warri attended by Sheriff Oborevwori and other political and traditional leaders.
The U.S. filing does not spell out specific policy requests beyond the broad goal of improving ties. It does, however, show the cost of the campaign: $120,000 a month for six months.
