Development Journalism in Nigeria: Practice, Problems and Prospects

This study examined the practice, problems and prospects of development journalism in Nigeria. Three research objectives were raised in this study. The study was anchored on the Agenda-Setting Theory and the Development Communication Theory, which together explain how the media can prioritise developmental concerns while also promoting participatory communication. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 30 purposively selected development journalists, media managers and communication experts in Akwa Ibom State. A content analysis of 100 development news stories from Nigerian newspapers and online platforms was also conducted. The findings showed that development journalism in Nigeria is marked by a paradox of rhetorical commitment and weak practice, with greater emphasis still placed on politics and elite-centred stories than on poverty, health, education and rural development. The study identified key challenges, including inadequate funding, political interference, poor professional training, technological limitations and audience apathy. Despite these obstacles, development journalism was found to have contributed to socio-economic development by promoting accountability, amplifying community voices and shaping behavioural change through campaigns. The study concluded that unless deliberate efforts are made to institutionalise and strengthen development journalism, its potential to drive national progress will remain unfulfilled. Recommendations were made for media organisations, government, journalism schools, donor agencies and practitioners on strategies to reposition development journalism as a veritable tool for national development.