Conflict Mediation:

Examining Government Communication Strategies toward Peaceful Co-existence in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is not an exception to the endemic conflicts that plague the African continent. Amidst a variety of conflicts, including political, ethnic, religious, and communal ones, the nation, as well as other advocacy organisations and INGOs, have collaborated and operated independently to promote peaceful coexistence. In light of the foregoing, this study was conducted to evaluate the communication strategies used by the government in North Central geopolitical zone in relation to regional conflict mediation efforts. Accordingly, the study recorded 94.6 percent response rate following the retrieval of the 600 questionnaires administered to the respondents. Results demonstrated that the government had adopted several conflict mediation techniques. Some of the strategies mentioned are media relations, public relations, peacebuilding communication, community connections, traditional institutions approach, and religious organisation approach. Findings further indicated a high level of use of communication in conflict mediation while showing that the employment of techniques has led to reduced tensions and peaceful cohabitation among others. The researchers concluded that communication techniques are useful tools for conflict resolution and recommended their continuous adoption and application in comparable circumstances.