PUBLIC RELATIONS IN POSTCRISIS RECOVERY: ANALYSING NIGERIA

Abstract

This study analyses the role of public relations (PRs) in postcrisis recovery,with a focus on the Nigerian government’s communication strategies in the security sector. Inthe face of persistent security challenges such as insurgency, terrorism, and communalviolence, Nigeria’s recovery efforts are often hindered by inadequate crisis communication.Effective PR strategies are vital for restoring public trust, rebuilding institutional credibility,and fostering social cohesion during the postcrisis period. This study uses established crisiscommunication frameworks to explores how PR can be strategically employed to managegovernment communication after a crisis, especially in a fragile security environment. Theresearch employed a qualitative approach, relying on secondary data sources, includingjournal articles, reports, and official documents. Key findings indicate that while the Nigeriangovernment recognises the importance of communication in postcrisis recovery, existing PRstrategies are often fragmented and lack coherence, consistency, and transparency. The studyconcludes that a more integrated and proactive PR approach is essential for improvinggovernment credibility and fostering sustainable peace. Recommendations include the needto develop tailored PR strategies that incorporate local contexts, enhance collaborationbetween government agencies and the media, and prioritise transparency in allcommunication efforts.