ABSTRACT
This study relied on online data gathered on COVID-19 communication management in autumn 2020 in Nigeria (during the second wave) to evaluate public perception of government communication. Specifically, the study interrogated the main messages by the government over the period, the opinion of the people on the government messages, the media used by the public during the period and trust in information sources. A total of 458 people participated in the survey, which lasted for two months (1 September - 31 October 2020). The key findings showed social media was mostly used for information acquisition, with the majority using WhatsApp for information gathering and circulation. In addition, a substantial number of respondents accessed COVID-19 information through traditional media, with television being the preferred medium. Participants stated that the government messages were mostly about staying at home and maintaining social distancing. However, an overwhelming number felt that the government communication was not clear and sufficient, which generated social alarm and distrust. In terms of trust in sources of information there is a high lack of trust in government at all levels, while the majority had trust in health practitioners, health influencers and the World Health Organization. Insights from this research will enable development of recommendations that may improve the effectiveness of government communication in future health crises and give an African perspective in the literature, which at the moment is scarce.
