International Image Implications of Nigerians Involvement in Hard Drug Trafficking and Public Relations Antidote for the Problem

This study was a critical analysis of the international image implications of the involvement of some Nigerian youths in hard drug trafficking and the public relations panacea for the problem. It was motivated by the often reported shoddy treatment of innocent Nigerians in some international airports, due to the involvement of a few in illicit drug trades. The objectives were to determine the effect of use of force and law versus public relations persuasive communications strategy in arresting the involvement of Nigerians in hard-drug trafficking and to examine the use of public relations media, techniques and strategies for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in addressing the hard-drug problem in Nigeria. The study employed integrated qualitative and quantitative situation analysis study (SAS) approach. In the qualitative analysis, focus group discussions were used, while in the quantitative, opinion survey technique was employed in gathering data. The data were analyzed qualitatively and statistically. Results obtained show that the use of force, law and imprisonment would not significantly discourage Nigerian youths from hard drug trafficking. But the use of public relations persuasive communication strategies and a combination of force and law would do it. The use of oramedia, social media, mass media, interpersonal communications, religious institutions, educational institutions, opinion leaders, town unions/associations were then recommended for the anti-drug campaign. Keywords: Hard drugs, image, drug trafficking, public relations