Periscope Consulting Limited is the premier Public Financial Management (PFM) Advisory and Business Improvement Consulting firm. The firm provides implementable leading practice advisory services customized to individual clients’ environment and needs, based on deep industry expertise and local knowledge.

Through its strategic alliance with multinational advisory partners, Periscope Consulting has developed a network of multidisciplinary advisory teams with competence in providing a one-stop advisory shop for all its clients’ needs, Financial and Investment Advisory, Process Improvement, Strategy, HR advisory, IT, Project Management etc.

With excellent service capabilities that have been designed to deliver top-notch leading practice advisory services across both the private and public sectors. Periscope consulting have structured and will continue to design it services to appeal to and meet the needs of it numerous (and prospective) clients, providing tailored services for clients in both private and public sectors and across numerous industry lines such as: financial services, telecommunications, power, agriculture, SMEs, amongst others

In this interview granted by its Lead Consultant, Bayo Adams, in response to the Guardian recognition of Periscope Consulting as one of the Most Reputable Management Consulting and Business Retooling Firms in Corporate Nigeria, he speaks on the firm’s growth strategies and customer focused services amongst other issues.

What specific services does your firm offer to corporate clients (e.g. strategy development, process improvement, change management)

Periscope Consulting is a globally positioned management consulting firm with focus on Public Financial Management (PFM) Advisory, People and Change Management and Process Improvement. We provide implementable leading practice and tailored consulting services to both Public and Private sector organizations across various industry lines including finance, telecommunication, healthcare, energy, manufacturing etc. This versatility enables Periscope to provide customized solutions that address the specific challenges faced by businesses in different industries.

Periscope Consulting adopted growth strategies.

Our growth strategy is centred on forging strategic alliances. We have established a presence across Africa and the UK while forming partnerships with leading institutions across different sectors. These alliances and collaborations have shaped our ability to offer a seamless, integrated suite of advisory services, positioning us as a one-stop shop for clients. Periscope also boasts a team of seasoned professionals with deep industry expertise and a broad understanding of the global business landscape. we leverage on the collective expertise of our diverse team to consistently deliver world-class solutions that are customized to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Additionally, as a Firm, Periscope is committed to leveraging the appropriate cutting-edge technology necessary to deliver unparalleled results. We have seamlessly integrated advanced technological tools and platforms into our service offerings towards ensuring that clients receive data-driven solutions tailored to their unique needs.

As a management consulting and enterprise development firm, how has your firm impacted both the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy? 

Periscope Consulting has played a pivotal role in advancing both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. In the public sector particularly, our contributions include a wide range of advisory services, such as Strategic Planning, Process Optimization, Finance Automation, and Capacity Building. We have been actively involved in critical national projects such as the development of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021-2025), the Nigerian Agenda 2050, the design of the Road map and rollout of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) at both Federal and State levels. Additionally, we have supported several states in meeting their Eligibility Criteria and the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) on the States’ Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) project, and executed capacity-building programs aimed at Civil Service reform. In the private sector, we have offered strategic and financial advisory services, IT solutions, policy development and process improvements across multiple industries. Our contributions in sectors like healthcare, oil and gas, and finance have resulted in impactful solutions that promote growth and boost operational efficiency.

Can you share a success story or case study of a successful engagement with a corporate client?

As the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017-2020 and Nigeria Vision 20:2020 were set to conclude in December 2020, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning (FMFBNP) initiated the development of two successor plans: the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2021-2025 and the Nigeria Agenda 2050. These plans were designed to ensure the continuity of Nigeria’s economic and social development beyond 2020, and guide the nation’s future strategic advancement. Recognizing our expertise, FMFBNP engaged Periscope Consulting to lead the identification of national challenges, propose viable solutions, and develop project initiatives that would steer the nation toward sustainable growth.

As part of this process, FMFBNP established 26 Technical Working Groups (TWGs), comprising over 700 professionals from various sectors across Nigeria. These groups were tasked with formulating comprehensive strategies and actionable projects for national development. Periscope played a significant role in coordinating these diverse groups and compiling their inputs. Within five months, we successfully completed the first phase of the project—delivering a Draft Zero Plan – a document spanning nearly 2,500 pages, detailing an array of initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria into a more prosperous, secure, and corruption-free economy. In December 2020, having met the ambitious deadline, Periscope transitioned the project to the next phase: the detailed Plan Writing, which was subsequently led by the Central Working Group (CWG) appointed by the Ministry.

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What metrics or KPIs do you use to measure the effectiveness of your services?

We utilize a variety of metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of our services; some of which include:

• A Client-Centric Philosophy: At the heart of Periscope’s success is its commitment to a client-centric approach. We prioritize each client by closely collaborating with them to understand their specific challenges and business environment, ensuring that the solutions provided are effective and align with their vision. In line with this, we actively seek regular feedback to gauge satisfaction with project outcomes and deliverables.

• Result-Oriented Methodology: Our focus on tangible results distinguishes us from other consulting firms. We employ a result-oriented methodology which entails approaching every engagement with a clear understanding of the client’s objectives, timelines, and budgets; and alongside our clients, we develop actionable plans to achieve measurable, timely results.

• Leveraging ISO 37301 and ISO 9001 Certifications as Key Metrics for Service Effectiveness:

Being ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) certified has proved to be an important metric for measuring the effectiveness of Periscope’s services, especially around: Consistency and Quality Assurance: ISO 9001 is a benchmark for consistent quality and has ensured that our firm’s processes are standardized and focused on the consistent delivery of quality services. This certification is proof that Periscope has established, documented, and maintained an effective quality management system (QMS), which leads to improved and reliable service outcomes. Compliance and Risk Management: The ISO 37301 certification focuses on establishing a strong compliance framework, which ensures that the firm operates within legal and regulatory boundaries while also aligning with industry standards. By being ISO 37301 compliant also demonstrates Periscope’s commitment to mitigating risks and adhering strictly to compliance obligations, which is a critical aspect of operational effectiveness and client trust. In essence, holding the ISO 37301 and ISO 9001 certifications proves that our Firm is both compliant and focused on quality, offering a structured and dependable approach to service delivery that can be evaluated, maintained, and improved over time.

What are the biggest challenges your firm faces when working with corporate clients in Nigeria?

Managing client expectations is a major challenge that we frequently face. This is especially true when clients expect immediate results or demand unrealistic (accelerated) timelines without adjusting the project scope or budget accordingly. Similarly, projects involving multiple stakeholders can be quite challenging due to conflicting interests, requiring careful negotiation and stakeholder management. Budgetary and operational constraints also pose challenges, especially when clients struggle to allocate sufficient resources for successful implementation, which is common in public projects.

How do you address these challenges, and what strategies have been effective?

With the mindset that every business is different, and that each project presents its own set of unique challenges, our approach is never a one-size-fits-all. We however address some of these challenges through proactive communication and expectation setting. From the outset, we establish clear project timelines, deliverables, and responsibilities. This ensures both parties are aligned on outcomes and scope.

For complex projects, we break down initiatives into manageable phases, allowing for efficient prioritization and phased delivery. Additionally, we sometimes work on multiple project components simultaneously to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality. Our customized approach ensures not only effective solutions but also fosters strong, and long-lasting client relationships.

What opportunities do you see for consulting and retooling firms in Nigeria’s corporate landscape? 

The evolving corporate landscape in Nigeria presents numerous opportunities for consulting firms. As businesses increasingly turn to external expertise for navigating complex challenges and embracing digital transformation, there is a growing demand for services in operational efficiency, process improvement, and strategic growth. Digital transformation, AI, and the rise of e-commerce are also opening new avenues

for firms to innovate and provide cutting-edge solutions that enable clients to scale operations and maintain a competitive edge. Firms that can offer expertise in these areas are well-positioned to capture and expand significantly on their market presence.