Journal of Mass Communication & Journalism

A Critical Assessment of the Regulation of the Practice of Public Relations in Nigeria

Abstract

I. W. Udomisor and B. O. Osademe

Public Relations activities cut-across public and private establishments. This has brought about an increase in the demand for practitioners in this profession. Because of this, people from allied disciplines such as International Relations, Labour Relations, Marketing, Advertising and Journalism have usurped the duties of Public Relations practitioners not even when they have neither been trained nor registered with the statutory body; the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). This work therefore, critically assesses the regulation of the practice of Public Relations in Nigeria by Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and further recommended ways of improving the regulation of the practice. Data for this study were obtained through primary sources (questionnaire and interview with officials of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Scholars and Practitioners) while the secondary data were obtained through published materials. Findings showed that regulation of the practice of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in Nigeria is necessary if sanity, discipline and professional excellence are to be attained and maintained. The study also revealed that most practitioners of the profession are not aware of the Institute and its activities. This means effective publicity campaign by the Institute and intensified collective efforts of practitioners must be pursued. Consequently, the researchers sought the advice of Public Relations Practitioners and Scholars on the way forward. Based on this submission, some recommendations on how to properly regulate the practice of Public Relations in Nigeria were advanced.