MARCEL MBAMALU
When former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was spotted in Imo State, Nigeria on Thursday December 4, 2025, the question on many Nigerians’ lips was simple: was he paid, and if so, how much? The answer, according to Mr Bernard Obimma, a UK-based public affairs analyst who claimed to be familiar with the arrangement, is almost certainly “yes – and very handsomely.”
The fee – estimated at around £250 000 (about $320 000) plus VAT – would be declared on Johnson’s UK tax return, making it a perfectly legal consultancy payment rather than a covert bribe. “It is a completely legitimate fee, one he would declare on his tax return,” the source said. “Even the British High Commission in Nigeria is aware of how the payment was made.”
The Imo engagement is only the latest illustration of a broader trend: once a Western head of government steps down, the real earnings often begin.
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Tony Blair – the UK’s longest‑serving Labour premier (1997‑2007) – has turned his political capital into a multi‑million‑pound enterprise. Prime Business Africa reports that his annual retainer with JP Morgan’s Middle East advisory arm is reported at £1.5 million, while a 90‑minute speaking slot commands roughly £250 000. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which he founded, now employs dozens of staff and generates additional consultancy revenue.
Obama earned $500 000 per speech
Barack Obama – who left the White House in 2017 – reportedly fetched about $500 000 per speech in the immediate aftermath of his presidency. While his current fees are believed to be lower, the former U.S. president still commands a premium for keynote addresses and private‑sector advisory work.
PM Johnson earned £1 million in four speaking engagements
Boris Johnson – who resigned as prime minister in July 2022 – earned more than £1 million from four speaking engagements that year, with each appearance priced between £215 000 and £277 000. The Imo State visit, if the quoted figure holds, would fit comfortably within that range.
Why the Money Flows
Western democracies prohibit sitting officials from taking paid speaking or consultancy work, citing conflict‑of‑interest rules. Once out of office, however, former leaders are free to monetise their networks, experience and personal brand. The result is a lucrative “revolving door” that can dwarf the salaries they earned while in power.
READ ALSO: Why Boris Johnson Agreed To Resign As Prime Minister
“It’s one of the reasons they see no need to cling to power,” said Obimma, a political analyst. “They tend to make far more money after leaving office.”
Public Debate: Legitimate Fee or Thinly Veiled Bribe?
The Imo State payment has reignited a familiar debate in Nigeria, where public funds are under intense scrutiny. While Johnson’s fee is legal under UK law and would be reported to HM Revenue & Customs, the use of state money for a private consultancy raises questions about value for taxpayers.
“Whether it is appropriate to use public funds in Imo State for this kind of PR exercise is a matter for public debate,” the political analyst added. “But it is important to inform people about the likely cost of such an engagement.”
The British High Commission, which monitors the activities of former officials, is said to be aware of the arrangement and would not object to the payment, provided it is properly declared.
A Wish for Nigeria
Nigerian politicians, too, have long argued that a robust post‑office market for speaking and consultancy could encourage integrity and reduce the temptation to remain in power indefinitely. “I hope Nigerian politics will one day offer similar post‑office opportunities,” Obimma concluded. “It would certainly help promote integrity and accountability.”
As former Western leaders continue to cash in on their years in the spotlight, the conversation about what constitutes a fair – and transparent – reward for public service shows no sign of fading. In the meantime, the Imo State cheque serves as a reminder that, for many, the real earnings begin after the resignation letter is signed.
