FAQ

What is public affairs?

The Public Affairs Council describes it as “an organisation’s efforts to monitor and manage its business environment. It combines government relations, communications, issues management and corporate citizenship strategies to influence public policy, build a strong reputation and find common ground with stakeholders.”

Where required, a public affairs adviser’s responsibilities would also involve assisting persons and organisations to amplify their activities, gain recognition from government or other stakeholders and manage relevant relationships both in government and private sector.

How does public affairs concern my business?

Sometimes, the difference between success and failure or even the ability to carry on / continue business in a particular manner is defined by the public policy either in place already or being contemplated.Some of the most successful companies and individuals are those who stay informed about regulatory, legislative or other government action that could either affect them or be a platform for greater success. Their ability to shape those policies also contribute to their ability to meet or exceed targets year on year.

Those who let public policy ‘happen to them’, rather than seek to shape the policies that affect them usually open themselves up to potentially negative and perhaps unintended consequences.

As an individual, why should I be bothered about public affairs?

Public policy affects all spheres of life. If a policy can influence your socio-economic conditions or restrict your ability to carry on your affairs in a desired manner, you should be concerned and take part in the advocacy / pushback against such injurious policy.

A community is generally so much better when the people get involved in the process of establishing public policies – either individually or in concert with other persons, groups, etc.

Do I really need a company / consultant to assist with my public affairs matters?

What you gain from engaging a public affairs adviser is expertise and experience.

The public affairs landscape is dynamic but a good public affairs adviser can help you get information pretty quickly, make assessments based on the information and / or past trends and advise on an effective course of action. The support of a good public affairs adviser is invaluable.

What kind of services does Thekla Advisory provide?

We offer a range of services. Please visit www.thadng.com/what-we-do for information on our capabilities.

Is Thekla Advisory a PR company?

It is not a public relations company but we work collaboratively with some of the PR agencies whenever a project requires us to do so. Public affairs work also requires some interface with the media and we actively engage in those interactions – to the extent required / necessary.

What makes Thekla Advisory different from other public affairs firms?

We have:

a deep understanding of the Nigerian policy landscape, as well as the challenges and opportunities that it presents;
a network of relationships with key decision makers and influencers across the public and private sectors; and
a team of experienced and passionate professionals who are committed to excellence, integrity and innovation.

In addition, while we diligently pursue a client’s objectives, we are mindful of our ethical obligations (and those of our clients).

Further, our founder and operations director is a lawyer that worked in one of the biggest commercial law firms in Nigeria for over 10 years, before moving on to a top performing multinational company where he spent the next 5 years. During those 5 years, he advised the business on both legal and regulatory affairs matters across the anglophone West African countries of Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Gambia. His familiarity with manufacturing, distribution and export of fast-moving consumer goods, as well as the workings of the public sector gives an edge when advising clients.

We are very familiar with private sector issues, especially those that impact productivity and business continuity. We have dealt with / collaborated with regulatory agencies in the food, beverage and tobacco space.

How does Thekla Advisory charge for services?

We are flexible in terms of fee arrangements. We would be willing to charge fees per project or enter a retainer where the nature of services makes it useful / practicable to do so. We are also willing to accept commissions, bonuses, or equity stake in the right projects.

How can I contact Thekla Advisory?

Please click this link

www.thadng.com/contact-us