SITUATION

The Uquo Gas Facility Plant in Ekit-Eket, Akwa Ibom State was constructed by the Uquo JV, formed by two independent, indigenous oil & gas companies, Frontier Oil Limited and Seven Energy, and formally commissioned by the President of Nigeria. The Uquo gas field (OML13) was one of the 24 marginal fields awarded by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to indigenous operators as part of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Marginal Field programme in the February 2003.

TASK

The JV retained the services of C&F Porter Novelli to provide it with communications support that  will introduce the Uquo JV to the public as an indigenous pioneer that has delivered on expectations and one that can also replicate this ‘Uquo JV successes’ in future marginal field operations to the benefit of all stakeholders.

APPROACH

 Uquo JV was positioned as an indigenous trailblazer in the marginal field operations and willing developer of Nigeria’s non-associated gas, by campaigning its   achievements which spanned  seismic survey through  production and transportation of the gas to power stations. Implementation was undertaken within the context of the official commissioning of the facility. The tactics deployed ran on two broad tracks: extensive content development to provide perspective and dynamic storytelling for purposes of driving the message. Content development entailed production of  brochures,  photo bank,  audio visual documentary, advertorials, and drafting of op-ed pieces    With a press office installed,  media facility tours, press conferences, media briefings, media interviews, and television  appearances were utilised in getting the story of the story out. All of these tactics came to a highpoint at  the official commissioning of the gas plant.

RESULTS

Communication objectives were achieved as C&F Porter Novelli got media buy-in to the entire programme, which resulted in huge media coverage – number of mentions, tonality, timeliness, and alignment with agreed key messages.

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.

SITUATION

Seplat Energy, a leading independent oil and gas exploration and production company listed on the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges, has the mission of “leading Nigeria’s energy transition with accessible, affordable, and reliable energy that drives social and economic prosperity.” The company retained C&F to provide it with public relations services including reputation management, event management, media relations, as well as media monitoring and analyses.

TASK

C&F Porter Novelli was tasked with providing qualitative communications support for all of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support corporate growth. These initiatives include the SEPLAT Teachers’ Empowerment Programme, (STEP), the Eye Can See programme, and the Pearls Quiz for its core host communities. Additionally, the agency provided SEPLAT with daily media monitoring which were analysed through monthly and yearly reports and recommendations to aid decision-making.

APPROACH

A strategic communication plan driven by stakeholder mapping which identified target audiences for each of the initiatives was developed. Through its robust media relations approach, the desired key messaging was consistently executed through appropriate print, broadcast, and online channels. Quality content was continuously communicated by building apt narratives through news releases, event coverage, photo-ops, interviews, and RESULTS

SEPLAT has become a visible and reputable brand. The brand consistently received positive coverage across online, print, and electronic media platforms. For instance, the Public Relations value garnered in the three months of October to December 2023 was over Seventy-Nine (79) million in cost savings, with a reach of 65.08m.feature articles across media