Public Sector Communications: Choosing Between Lies and Facts.

Corporate communications in the public sector presents unique challenges and opportunities. The delicate balance between public and institutional interests in information management requires careful navigation. Public sector organizations prioritize confidentiality measures, employing emerging cybersecurity technologies and knowledge management practices to store or disseminate information. While digital formats and encryption are increasingly used for document storage, physical files still prevail in federal ministries, agencies, and departments. Directors of Communications or Spokespersons face the daunting task of managing information while upholding confidentiality.

In Nigeria, for example, the Official Secret Act, also known as the Oath of Secrecy Act of 1962, is often cited as a significant barrier to corporate communications in the public sector. This act aims to protect government integrity, national security, and prevent unintended information leaks. However, citizens have expressed concerns over the continued use of this act, several years after the country's independence. Government officials fear the consequences of disclosing official government information, despite the existence of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) enacted in 2011. This fear creates restrictions on communication and leads to limited information being released to the public.

Corporate communication analysts argue that the FOIA has not adequately addressed the communication gap between public sector organizations and stakeholders. Stakeholder engagement plays a crucial role in information management. Regular engagement with stakeholders can alleviate the pressure for information under the FOIA and provide relevant, factual and timely information to address concerns. It is essential for public sector organizations to have a knowledgeable spokesperson who can communicate effectively in alignment with the organization's objectives, while gaining public trust and confidence.

Transparency, timeliness, and accuracy are vital in strategic communications. During periods of service challenges, the Nigerian Communications Commission adopted a frank and transparent approach, acknowledging the existing issues and outlining measures to address them. The organization maintained an open-door policy, responding to media inquiries and regularly engaging with stakeholders through various media channels, including social media platforms. Social media utilization allowed for real-time communication and engagement with stakeholders, making the NCC one of the first public sector organizations to embrace the use of social media as a platform for reaching out to Stakeholders in a timely manner, providing real-time, online feedback on the Quality of Service issues the country faced at that time.

While the Oath of Secrecy Act of 1962 may impose restrictions, organizations can still find innovative ways to communicate without compromising sensitive information. Strategic and purpose-driven corporate communications, embracing both traditional and new media platforms, are crucial in the digital age. Information is a valuable currency in today's global village, and public sector organizations that recognize its impact on information management will reap the benefits.

Public sector organizations oftentimes deal with trust issues with regard to communicating with stakeholders. Unfulfilled promises overtime have created some trust deficit, hence information coming from these organizations are sometimes received with suspicion. There is the need to adopt strategies that narrow the trust deficit. The social media is a veritable platform for engagement due to the opportunity it provides for real-time feedback on issues requiring clarifications. Public sector communication should be strategic, issue-based, factual, and timely. Organizations should adapt to the changing landscape of information management, utilizing social media platforms such as LinkedIn , X , YouTube , Instagram , and Meta among others to effectively engage with stakeholders in a manner that would establish trust and restore confidence.

Dr. Anthony Ojobo is the President of the African ICT Foundation and a prominent figure in the field of corporate communications and leadership development.