DIGITAL COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN 21ST CENTURY NIGERIA

Abstract

A key challenge facing Nigerian government in the 21^st century is the lack of capacity to deliver effective democratic governance through people-oriented policy implementation and resource management. Despite calls for a reduction in cost of governance, successive administrations have struggled in creating a dynamic environment for all-round development leading to competitiveness of local firms in global markets, and a nurture of scientific and technological capacity to bridge the digital divide among the citizenry. This is so despite the ubiquity of digital communication technologies which many governments across the world have embraced. This paper analyzes some digital communication strategies that could accelerate effective democratic governance and promote participatory democracy, inclusivity, transparency, accountability and enhanced public service delivery. The study deployed an interpretative phenomenological approach by using secondary data obtained through extensive and rigorous interrogation of extant literature, books, policy documents and other disseminated resources. The paper highlights how practical strategies in the realm of digital collaboration, common digital infrastructure, compulsory digital engagement, prioritizing e-democracy and tailoring digital communication to local needs could result in the growth of digital economy and digital governance in Nigeria by improving the certainty of digital transactions and digital service delivery.