Evaluation of Public Relations Practice as a Management Function in the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria

Abstract

Public relations practice within government institutions plays a critical role in shaping policy communication and stakeholder engagement. In Nigeria's public sector, the integration of PR as a strategic management function remains underexplored, particularly within environmental agencies responsible for complex policy implementation. This study examines the role of public relations as a management function within the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria, and its effectiveness in achieving organisational objectives. Using a quantitative descriptive survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 382 staff members across the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna. The findings reveal that while the PR unit demonstrates competence in information dissemination and awareness creation, it remains peripherally involved in strategic communication and organisational decision-making. Although 61.52% of respondents showed awareness of PR activities and 74.60% rated PR officers as effective, significant gaps exist in digital engagement, transparency, and overall public satisfaction. The study highlights the need for repositioning PR as a strategic management function to enhance public engagement and improve policy outcomes. Key challenges include insufficient funding, limited personnel training, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and minimal involvement in executive-level decision-making. The findings contribute to existing literature by providing insights into PR effectiveness within Nigeria's environmental governance structure and identifying areas for strategic improvement.