Empirical Studies in Communication for Development in Nigeria: The Global View

Purpose: Communication is a vital catalyst for development, especially amidst global societal changes specifically in Nigeria. Engaging individuals actively becomes crucial for societal advancement, necessitating their awareness, involvement, and capacity-building for effective development programs. Establishing robust communication channels between the populace and the government is imperative. This paper examines empirical studies on communication for development within Nigeria and globally, emphasizing its pivotal role in progress and its impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic growth. It explores global perspectives on communication’s inherent advantages in fostering development and highlights challenges hindering the government’s use of communication for national development. Additionally, it analyzes communication for development’s influence on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), exploring communication tools used and barriers to their optimal achievement within set time frames. Design/Methodology & Approach: Using comprehensive contextual analysis, this study rigorously reviews publications, textbooks, and pertinent online resources. Findings: Communication significantly contributes to MDGs but faces persistent challenges such as insurgencies, insecurity, literacy gaps, ethnic diversity, and inadequate political will. Addressing these hurdles is crucial for maximizing communication’s developmental benefits. Implications: Neglecting these challenges and failing to fully embrace communication for development in Nigeria will impede anticipated national progress. Originality/Value: This paper underscores communication’s critical role in Nigeria and global development, essential for rapid societal advancement.