Developing a Stakeholder Communication Map for Nigerian Energy Sector Infrastructure Projects

Major energy infrastructure projects in Nigeria involve diverse stakeholder communities with different interests, communication preferences, and power positions that require systematic stakeholder communication mapping to support effective project communication planning. This study developed a stakeholder communication mapping methodology for energy sector infrastructure projects in Nigeria, drawing on project case studies from the North Central and South South regions. A participatory mapping methodology was employed, working with communication teams from two pipeline infrastructure projects (one in Niger State and one in Delta State) to apply and refine the stakeholder mapping framework. Stakeholder identification workshops involved 14 project communication and community relations officers per project, followed by stakeholder analysis using salience criteria (power, legitimacy, urgency) adapted for the Nigerian regulatory and community context. The mapping framework categorises stakeholders across five communication engagement tiers: regulatory authorities, host communities, civil society and media, corporate partners, and national political stakeholders. Communication mode, frequency, and content requirements for each tier are specified, with escalation triggers for conflict-sensitive situations. Pipeline conflict community communication protocols drawn from lessons learned in both project cases are embedded in the framework. Expert review by twelve energy sector communication professionals validated the framework's operational usability. The study recommends that the Nigeria National Petroleum Company and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority mandate stakeholder communication mapping as a standard project pre-construction requirement for all major pipeline and energy infrastructure developments.

Keywords: stakeholder communication, energy infrastructure, communication mapping, Nigeria, project communication