International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (FMHAPR) in Nigeria has faced persistent public criticisms, allegations of inefficiency, mismanagement, and delayed responses to humanitarian crises, leading to erosion of public trust and reputation challenges. To address this requires deliberate public relations efforts.
Objective: This study investigated how Public Relations strategies are used for reputation management at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Abuja, Nigeria.
Method: The study adopted mixed-methods, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. A total of 384 copies of questionnaire were distributed to FMHAPR officials, PR practitioners, and residents within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), yielding 380 valid responses, alongside 12 in-depth interviews with key informants.
Result: Quantitative findings revealed moderate public awareness (24.5% very aware), neutral perceptions of communication effectiveness (31.1%), and low transparency ratings (33.2% not very transparent), with television news (37.6%) and social media (32.6%) as primary information channels. Qualitative data indicated that while the ministry employed diverse tools such as press releases, social media updates, stakeholder briefings, and crisis communication plans, its strategies remained largely reactive, moderately effective, and constrained by inadequate funding, bureaucratic delays, limited digital capacity, resource shortages, and misinformation.
Conclusion: The study concludes that FMHAPR’s PR framework contributed moderately to reputation management but requires structural reforms, proactive digital engagement, and consistent transparency to rebuild public trust and enhance institutional credibility.
Unique Contribution: This study has provided insights into the role of public relations in shaping the reputation of government ministries in Nigeria, particularly in the humanitarian sector. It is hoped that the findings will help in developing tailored PR strategies that enhance stakeholder trust and improve the ministry's image. It will also be of benefit to policymakers and PR practitioners in crafting effective communication approaches for government agencies. Key recommendation: Strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting transparency in communication processes, and instituting regular evaluations to improve credibility and effectiveness in humanitarian governance.