As the dust settles from a star-studded 50th birthday celebration in Warri, Matthew Tonlagha—the Vice Chairman of Tantita Security Services and a key ally of President Bola Tinubu—has transitioned from local “pipeline protector” to a player on the global stage.
Through his company, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Tonlagha has committed a monthly retainer of $120,000 (approx. ₦180 million) to Valcour Global Public Strategy, a U.S. lobbying firm led by Matt Mowers, a former senior White House advisor under the first Trump administration.
1. Strategic Influence: Why Lobby Washington Now?
The contract, which runs from December 15, 2025, to June 14, 2026, isn’t just about corporate branding. It is a calculated move to “strengthen the bilateral relationship” between the U.S. and Nigeria at a time of extreme diplomatic tension.
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Strategic Communications: Valcour is tasked with shaping public policy and media narratives within the U.S. Congress and Executive Branches.
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The “Genocide” Context: This private sector move follows the Nigerian government’s own $9 million (₦13.5 billion) contract with DCI Group to counter claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria—a narrative that led to U.S. airstrikes against terrorist enclaves on Christmas Day 2025.
2. Matthew Tonlagha: From the Creeks to Corporate Power
Hailing from Benikrukru in the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Tonlagha has built a reputation as the “bridge builder” of the Niger Delta.
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Tantita Security Services: Working alongside former militant leader Government “Tompolo” Ekpemupolo, Tonlagha’s firm is credited with helping Nigeria’s oil production recover from 650,000 bpd to over 1.8 million bpd by mid-2025.
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Maton Engineering: His flagship company specializes in complex oil and gas infrastructure, including submarine cable installations and pipeline surveillance.
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Philanthropy: At his recent 50th birthday, Tonlagha was hailed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his service to humanity, including the donation of school buses and extensive youth empowerment schemes in oil-bearing communities.
The Lobbying Expenditure Breakdown
| Entity | Consultant | Fee/Monthly Retainer | Purpose |
| Maton Engineering | Valcour Global | $120,000 | Bilateral relations & Gov’t affairs. |
| Maton Engineering | Bridgeway Advocacy | $105,000 (Dec ’25) | Subcontractor services. |
| Maton Engineering | Mount Olives LLC | $60,000 (Jan ’26) | Subcontractor services. |
| Federal Gov’t | DCI Group | $750,000 | Communicating Christian protection efforts. |
3. The Trump Factor: A New Era of Diplomacy
The choice of Matt Mowers is no coincidence. As a Republican strategist and former diplomat, Mowers provides Tonlagha with a direct pipeline into the current U.S. political establishment.
As President Trump’s administration has taken a more “muscular” approach to Nigeria—including the 2025 “Country of Particular Concern” redesignation—Tonlagha’s private lobbying efforts act as a secondary, unofficial diplomatic channel to protect both national and Niger Delta interests.
