Governments sometimes use such monopolistic arrangements to try to exercise political control over the private sector. The Nigerian Government, for example, introduced in 1988 the notion of the 'organized private sector'. In order to get business to speak with one voice, it was decided that the President or Vice President would chair regular meetings at which the private sector would be represented only by the three largest business associations. This attempt to impose a monopolistic order simply did not work. The solution lies somewhere between these extremes of monopoly and complete openness.
Governments can only talk effectively with a limited number of associations.
However, they also need to listen to a diversity of voices and to permit a certain degree of rivalry and competition between associations. It also encourages them to watch each other, and thus limits the possibility of improper or corrupt linkages being established between association officials and public servants. A workable compromise arrangement will normally operate at two levels. Individual government agencies will interact with a few associations dealing with their subject - for example, the Department of Shipping might liaise with the National Association of Shipping Agents, the Freight Forwarders Association and the Maritime Transport Association. When government needs to consult with business in general, an effective device is to organize a regular forum in which a limited number of larger and more authoritative associations have a place.