Communication Strategies in Combating Corruption by ICPC in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the communication strategies adopted by the ICPC in its fight against perpetrators of corruption in Nigeria. The study adopted the communication-persuasive theory to provide support for the study. The study employed a qualitative research survey method and data for the study was collected through in-depth interview with selected key staff of the Department of Public Enlightenment and Education of the Commission responsible for the formulation of communication strategies. The findings of the study showed that ICPC uses different communication strategies in its fight against corruption. The types of communication strategies mainly used by the ICPC include workshops, advocacy visits, radio/television jingles/programs, billboards, branded shirts, and sponsorship of special festivals amongst others. Findings indicated minimal effectiveness in the Commission’s effort to create awareness and attitudinal change in line with its mission and purpose. The study also identified challenges like poor funding, lack of audience research, lack of communication strategy document, and political will as factors militating against the fight against corruption by ICPC. The study therefore recommended that ICPC should have a communication strategy document for an effective communication approach and that there should be proper funding of ICPC communication programmes to enable it achieve the goals it has been established to achieve.