The evolution of strategic communication: practices and reflections in Nigeria

Abstract

Strategic communication, an intentional and purpose-driven communication aimed at achieving specific goals, is gaining traction in Nigeria. This paper examines the growth and development of strategic communication in Nigeria across three historical epochs. While previous studies on communication management in the country have been limited to the colonial era, this study traces the origin of strategic communication in Nigeria from the precolonial era to the present day. Despite the Western-centric view of strategic communication, this study highlights the various communication strategies, such as rhetoric, symbolography, town-criers, Roko, Ewi, proverbs, idiophones, and music, that were utilized in precolonial times. The arrival of colonialists only modernized the process and introduced new mediums of communication. Modern factors such as WWII, nationalism, regional politics, civil war, Boko Haram Insurgency, and politics have also influenced the development of strategic communication. The paper recommends more research and courses on strategic communication in Nigeria to continue building a better understanding of its role in national security and conflict management.