SITUATION
In April 2018, there was a gridlock in the Apapa, Lagos Port area. The gridlock was caused by the heavy traffic of trucks and trailers that transport goods to and from the port . The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) is an organization that serves as an advocate on behalf of the players in the Nigerian downstream sector. Its members operate terminals in the Port area. In line with its role, MOMAN felt the need to proactively engage with key stakeholders with a view to ensuring clearing of the gridlock.
TASK
TC&F Porter Novelli was retained by MOMAN to provide advisory services as the trade body engaged with the stakeholders. The mandate also included managing communications in connection with the effort.
APPROACH
A plan was developed with three major thrusts. This comprised creating opportunities for a broader discussion amongst the stakeholders on the gridlock and how it can be resolved, projecting the efforts of MOMAN in engaging stakeholders towards a resolution of the gridlock and positioning MOMAM as a thought leader.
Agency worked with MOMAN to convene a series of stakeholder’s meetings involving the Nigerian Navy, Tanker Drivers Association, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).. The agency provided media relations support to the MOMAN. Tactics covered content development, briefings, handling of enquiries, and drip-feeding of stories on developments culminating in the feat of clearing the gridlock.
RESULTS
MOMAN’s role in clearing the gridlock received wide publicity and helped build reputational capital for the body as an advocate on behalf of the players in the Nigerian downstream sector.