PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE CORPORATE IMAGE MANAGEMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE CORPORATE IMAGE MANAGEMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

ABSTRACT

The establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was to provide a sustainable development in the Niger Delta region after failed attempts by various past agencies in tackling the problems accruing in the region. This failure by past agencies has not only caused underdevelopment but has also brought about poverty and suffering to people living in the region. This unfavourable situation prompted the researcher to find out the public perception on the corporate image management of the NDDC in the three selected oil-producing states in the region – Abia, Bayelsa and Rivers. The study was anchored on the Corporate Social Responsibility Theory. The survey research method was used to generate and collect data for the study. The four research questions which also received statistical support revealed that the public is aware of the Commission and the purpose of its establishment by the federal government in the region. After 13 years of its existence, the NDDC does not have a favourable corporate image in the region as there are some factors such as corruption, bad policies that have hindered public satisfaction with the commission. Even though the commission has tried using various strategies in tackling the problems, it still has not been able to improve its battered image as it has not lived up to the expectations of the people. The study therefore suggest that the Niger Delta Development Commission tackle the issue of corruption that rocks its commission and should involve communities in their development programmes that are aimed at improving the corporate image management of the NDDC in the region so as to help them achieve its mandate.