Title: Legal and ethical aspects of public relations practice in Nigeria
Authors: Njoku Ignatus Achilike, PhD
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Pages: 117-123
Publication Date: 2025/03/28
Abstract:
This study explores the legal and ethical aspects of public relations practice in Nigeria, with the primary objective of examining the legal framework governing public relations practices, analyzing the ethical standards guiding public relations professionals, and identifying key legal and ethical challenges faced by practitioners. To achieve these objectives, the study employed the Social Responsibility Theory, which posits that organizations have a moral obligation to act in ways that benefit society, and utilized a library research design, involving the collection and analysis of existing data and information from various sources. The findings reveal that public relations practice in Nigeria is governed by a multifaceted legal framework, and that ethical considerations are critical components of the profession, however, many practitioners often compromise ethical standards due to external pressures. Consequently, the study concludes that there is a need for greater emphasis on legal and ethical aspects in order to promote professionalism, transparency, and accountability in the industry. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the Nigerian government establish a regulatory framework for the public relations industry, public relations practitioners prioritize ethical considerations, and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations play a more active role in promoting ethical standards and best practices.