Consultancy

Case Study 1: Paving the path for the successful funding and development of a 700MW Hydro Electric Dam Development

Client Profile

Client Name: Systems Trade and Services (STS)

Industry: Energy and Infrastructure

Role: Project Consultancy and Strategy Development

Location: Nigeria

Challenge

Systems Trade and Services, a respected player in the energy and infrastructure sector, embarked on a mission to facilitate the development of a 700MW Hydro Electric Dam in Nigeria. Their role in this monumental project was pivotal, focusing on key responsibilities, including interfacing with various stakeholders and ensuring compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations. However, they needed expert guidance in project consultancy and strategy development to chart the course toward successful funding and execution.

Solution

Recognizing the complexity of their responsibilities and the need for strategic support, Systems Trade and Services engaged the services of Zoolch, a trusted partner in the field of project consultancy and strategy development.

STS’ Roles and Responsibilities

Interfacing with Government Ministries and Agencies: Systems Trade and Services assumed a critical role in interfacing between the project’s contractor and relevant Nigerian government ministries and agencies. This multifaceted responsibility included:

• Regulatory Navigation: Ensuring compliance with the intricate web of government regulations and requirements.
• Facilitating Approvals: Streamlining the acquisition of permits and approvals for different phases of the project.
• Liaising with Authorities: Building strong and productive relationships with key government stakeholders to garner support for the project.
• High-Level Stakeholder Engagement: A crucial component of the project involved organizing high-level engagements with various government and contractor representatives. This entailed:
• Bridge Building: Creating a platform for productive dialogue and collaboration between government entities and the contractor.
• Negotiation Facilitation: Assisting in negotiations for funding, regulatory support, and alignment of interests.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing any issues that arose during discussions to maintain positive momentum for the project.
• Selection of Domestic Suppliers and Contractors: For the project’s success, the assessment and selection of key domestic suppliers, sub-contractors, and professional service providers were paramount. Systems Trade and Services were responsible for:
• Market Research: Conducting comprehensive market research to identify the most suitable domestic partners.
• Due Diligence: Evaluating potential suppliers and contractors for their capacity, reputation, and alignment with project objectives.
• Negotiation: Collaborating with selected partners to establish mutually beneficial contracts and terms.
• Community Interface: Another critical responsibility was interfacing between the communities within the project site and the contractor. This involved:
• Community Engagement: Nurturing positive relationships with local communities through dialogue and community-oriented initiatives.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing community concerns and conflicts in a fair and equitable manner, fostering a harmonious project environment.
• Local Benefits Advocacy: Advocating for community benefits, including job opportunities and infrastructure development.
• Local Content Partner Management: Systems Trade and Services oversaw and managed Local Content Partner engagements, encompassing professional services and contracts. This encompassed:
• Capacity Building: Assisting local partners in developing the necessary skills and capabilities to contribute effectively to the project.
• Contract Management: Ensuring that contracts were fair, transparent, and aligned with local laws and regulations.
• Performance Oversight: Regularly evaluating the performance of local content partners to uphold project quality.
• Legal Compliance Oversight: Ensuring that the contractor complied with Nigerian laws and regulations was a critical aspect of Systems Trade and Services’ responsibilities. This involved:
• Legal Expertise: Maintaining an in-depth understanding of Nigerian legal requirements relevant to the project.
• Compliance Audits: Conducting regular audits to verify adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
• Issue Resolution: Addressing any compliance issues promptly to mitigate risks and maintain project integrity.

Outcome

Through their strategic partnership with Zoolch, Systems Trade and Services successfully navigated the complex landscape of their responsibilities within the 700MW Hydro Electric Dam Development project. This involved securing critical government support, fostering positive community relations, and ensuring unwavering compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations.

The collaborative efforts of Systems Trade and Services and Zoolch not only facilitated funding for the project but also set the stage for its long-term sustainability and positive impact on the local community and the nation’s energy infrastructure. Systems Trade and Services played a pivotal role in driving the project forward, exemplifying how effective project consultancy and strategy development can lead to success in large-scale endeavours with multifaceted responsibilities.