International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Decades of oil exploration and recurrent oil spills in Ogoniland, Rivers State, necessitated the establishment of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for environmental clean-up and restoration. Despite these efforts, concerns have emerged regarding the portrayal of HYPREP's activities on social media and the extent to which such reports influence public perception. This study investigated the influence of social media propaganda on public perception of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Objective: The study sought to examine how host communities perceive alleged propaganda in social media reports on HYPREP activities in Ogoniland and to determine whether exposure to social media reports is associated with host communities' perceptions of propaganda regarding the implementation of the clean-up programme. The study was anchored on the Conspiracy Theory and the Uses and Gratifications Theory.
Method: The study adopted a survey research design using questionnaires and interviews as the primary instruments for data collection. Data were collected from 380 respondents drawn from Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas of Rivers State. The data were analysed using the Chi-square statistical technique. Results: The findings revealed that many members of the host communities believe that social media propaganda has been employed in the portrayal of HYPREP's clean-up activities through the perceived exaggeration of project achievements. The study further established a statistically significant relationship between exposure to social media reports and host community members' perceptions of propaganda surrounding HYPREP's remediation activities.
Unique Contribution: The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on environmental communication by demonstrating how social media narratives shape public perceptions of environmental remediation programmes. It underscores the need for effective collaboration among communication professionals, environmental experts, HYPREP, host communities, and government agencies to promote credible and transparent communication.
Conclusion: The study concludes that credibility, transparency, and factual accuracy should remain central to communication concerning environmental remediation activities. Disseminating truthful and verifiable information is essential for strengthening public confidence in HYPREP's clean-up programme.
Key Recommendation: The government should revisit the implementation framework contained in the UNEP Report and engage competent environmental experts to strengthen the effectiveness, transparency, and credibility of remediation activities in the affected communities. Furthermore, relevant supervisory agencies should monitor HYPREP's social media communication to ensure that published information accurately reflects the actual progress of the clean-up exercise.