TASTE trustees were advised that the most economical route for Fudge would be via Cotonou, in neighbouring Benin Republic.  This may have been true but the journey took much longer than we estimated and cost considerably more.

The route from Cotonou to Jos is along major highways and is a recognised transit route for freight.  Consequently, the police routinely set-up road blocks to check vehicles and their cargo.  Fudge cleared the docks OK and was expected in Jos in a couple of days.  However, days turned into a week and the local Pastor who had helped us to find freight handlers in Cotonou needed extra money for repairs and other expenses.  We were surprised and alarmed, as Fudge had been seriously checked-out before shipping.  The Trustees could do little but send the funds and pray.

When one week turned into two, Mark Lipdo, our Nigerian manager, went to see for himself what was happening.  He flew down to Cotonou and then travelled the route to locate Fudge.  What he found surprised even him!

The police are so used to dealing with suspicious situations that, when faced with an immaculate-looking tanker, they could not believe that anyone would use it just to carry water.  When they subsequently looked inside and found clothes, they were convinced that the tanker was carrying contraband that they emptied everything out to check.  And checks like this took place at over 20 roadblocks.  Frighteningly, there were 50 such blocks between Cotonou and Jos!  The freight handlers delivering Fudge were frustrated and so had been paying the police to let them through the blocks, thus the requests for further funds.

Mark knew that this could not continue so he offered a swift prayer and then started to negotiate with the senior policeman at the roadblock where he had caught up with Fudge.  The officer insisted that a “tax” was due or he would have to escort Fudge all the way back to Cotonou.  Mark expressed his concern and the officer said he would not insist on the tax.  However, he pointed out that Mark would face a similar challenging time at every further roadblock, each offering the possibility of escorting Fudge back to the port.  But, said the officer, for a small fee he could advise Mark how to legally avoid all future checkpoints.  Mark felt happy to pay for a piece of advice, especially if it sorted the problem.

 The policemen explained that no-one in their right mind would use such a good tanker for water.  At the very least they’d use it to carry oil or petrol.  So he advised Mark to get rid of all the Water signage and substitute with TOTAL.  Then get a load of Jesus stickers and stick them all over the windscreen (Nigerian vehicles all carry stickers and texts on the windows).  Mark followed instructions, making sure not to remove any dirt in the process and then wished the drivers well as they headed North to Jos.

Mark travelled back to Cotonou and then flew back to Jos, where he collapsed into bed.  He was woken early the next day by the sound of engines as Fudge roared into his compound.  The drivers had been waved through at every single roadblock!  So, if you want to know why Fudge carries the TOTAL brand, it’s not sponsorship.  And if you want to know why our handover picture has Mark wearing a very fetching pair of PJs, he’s not doing an ad for Marks & Spencer!

And this also gives a little insight into the difficulties of working with Nigerian officialdom!

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