Public Relations Strategies, Outcomes and Challenges in Development Intervention in Nigeria: An Empirical Literature Review
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Abstract
Empirical studies on the application of public relations strategies in Nigerian development interventions remain fragmented across sectors and intervention contexts, making it difficult to establish broader patterns regarding the strategies employed, their outcomes and the challenges affecting their application. This study therefore reviewed empirical evidence on PR strategies applied in diverse development interventions in Nigeria. A qualitative empirical literature review design was adopted. Relevant studies published between 2023 and 2026 were identified through Google Scholar, digital academic databases, institutional and university repositories, and Nigerian journal platforms. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using deductive thematic analysis based on three predetermined dimensions: PR strategies, outcomes and challenges. The findings indicate that Nigerian development interventions employ a combination of PR strategies: stakeholder engagement, community relations, media relations, interpersonal communication and digital platforms. Reported outcomes include awareness, trust, transparency, stakeholder relationships, participation, collaboration, mobilisation and institutional reputation. However, inadequate resources, weak feedback mechanisms, misinformation, limited local-language communication, poor infrastructure and reactive stakeholder engagement constrain effective implementation. The review further shows that existing studies provide stronger evidence of communicative and relational outcomes than of direct causal relationships between PR activities and broader development outcomes.
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