Title: Perceptions on the agency of media practitioners in e-governance in Nigeria

Authors: Chimaobi D. Onwukwe; Roseline Ndimele; Emenike Ubani

Addresses: Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria ' Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria ' Department of Mass Communication, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria

Abstract: The study examined the perceptions of media practitioners on their agency in driving effective e-governance in Nigeria. The study drew on data collected via qualitative methodological approaches involving semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with participants drawn from members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, and Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union in the five Southeastern states of Nigeria. The study observed that media practitioners perceive themselves as critical stakeholders in e-governance implementation. Varied ways in which they contribute to Nigeria's emerging e-governance include facilitating adoption by sourcing news and verifying information from government digital and electronic platforms. Some impediments include a lack of adequate government support which manifests in the challenge of adequate training, and suggested remedial actions include a public-private financing model. The study advances discussions on innovative ways of upscaling Nigeria's dwindling e-governance development index.

Keywords: e-governance; media practitioners; perception; mass media; Nigeria.

DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.153476

Electronic Government, an International Journal, 2026 Vol.22 No.3, pp.253 - 263

Received: 31 May 2024
Accepted: 25 Mar 2025
Published online: 11 May 2026 *

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