Merciport was birthed out of enthusiasm to trade in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry particularly as, founder/CEO I had previously garnered a wealth of experience in the trading of petroleum products in Nigeria as a frontrunner and core member of staff of one Nigeria’s foremost local oil and gas company. The business passion of Merciport further evolved to the need to proffer solutions that bridges the lag in the supply and distribution systems of petroleum products to retailers whilst trading fairly, as our business was conceptualised and formed during the periods when the downstream sector was deregulated by the Federal Government of Nigeria particularly in the trade of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). This period also witnessed a very high support from the Nigerian banks by businesses in the Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry.
At the time of commencement of operations, Merciport started with a small scale trade volume of petroleum products between 50, 000 Litres and 100, 000 Litres amidst deep rooted biases and opposition towards women operating in the industry, particularly in the downstream sector in relation to procurement, supply and distribution of petroleum products, as it was largely believed to be the exclusive terrain for men. However, based on my qualifications, professionalism, doggedness, integrity and long term experience in the industry, I had built a reputation and created a cordial business relationship with the players in the sector, hence I was able to break through the gender barriers and biases in the industry. I realised that this was not the case for a high number of female retail traders in the industry as they were largely marginalised in the procurement of petroleum products.
The product procurement difficulties/challenges constantly experienced by female retail traders in the petroleum industry created a business idea and plan for Merciport. With the support of our bankers, we were able to expand our procurement capacity from the depots, create product availability and supply solutions centric to cater for the demands of the female retail traders whilst eliminating the discrimination and stress usually experienced in product procurement. Realising that Merciport was always available to resolve their product procurement issues and attend to them personally and empathetically, they started relying on our business to procure their products.
This created a multiplier effect, as our operations and capacity increased and the company grew and expanded its operations to include direct importation of its own petroleum products.
Merciport has grown over the years due to our integrity, trustworthiness and transparency though the business terrain was difficult at the onset as there were lots of challenges and government policies that were not favourable to us. Our resilience over the years is not without the knowledge of the power of God without which we could not have forged ahead.
