PUBLIC RELATIONS IN POSTCRISIS RECOVERY: ANALYSING NIGERIA'S GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION IN THE SECURITY SECTOR

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. In
the face of persistent security challenges such as insurgency, terrorism, and communal
violence, 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 crisis
communication frameworks to explores how PR can be strategically employed to manage
government communication after a crisis, especially in a fragile security environment. The
research employed a qualitative approach, relying on secondary data sources, including
journal articles, reports, and official documents. Key findings indicate that while the Nigerian
government recognises the importance of communication in postcrisis recovery, existing PR
strategies are often fragmented and lack coherence, consistency, and transparency. The study
concludes that a more integrated and proactive PR approach is essential for improving
government credibility and fostering sustainable peace. Recommendations include the need
to develop tailored PR strategies that incorporate local contexts, enhance collaboration
between government agencies and the media, and prioritise transparency in all
communication efforts.