Role of Public Relations Practitioners in the Management of Federal Government Agencies in Nigeria (A Study of Southeast)

Abstract

The focus of this study was to examine the role of public relations practitioners in the management of Nigeria Federal Agencies with particular reference to South-East. Major aim was to ascertain whether federal agencies have functional, and qualified public relations staff that contribute positively in the management of such agencies businesses. To achieve the desired aim of the study, the researchers opted for survey research method in order to drive the study. Study area was from South-East where population and sample size of 1,500 respondents were raised. Investigation showed that with over sixty federal agencies in Nigeria, effective operations of public relations practitioners are not noticed as chief executives of such agencies sideline PR units in the discharge of the agencies mandate. The study concludes that some Nigerian federal agencies are operating without functional public relations departments or units. Therefore, it recommends the intervention of the NIPR to make government at all levels to recognize the vital roles public relations plays in governance and fully incorporate qualified public relations staff in government business especially federal agencies in south-east.