Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

In recent years, Investigative Journalism Practices has emerged as a critical factor shaping public perception of government policies across organizations operating in and around the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. As institutions grapple with the pressures of globalization, regulatory reform, and shifting stakeholder expectations, understanding how investigative journalism practices relates to public perception of government policies has become an important area of both scholarly and practical concern.

the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja presents a useful setting for examining this relationship precisely because the conditions there — structural, regulatory, and behavioural — differ from those typically assumed in the broader literature, most of which draws on evidence from more developed economies.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite a growing body of literature on investigative journalism practices, there remains limited consensus on the precise nature of its relationship with public perception of government policies, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Many organizations continue to make decisions about investigative journalism practices without a clear, evidence-based understanding of how those decisions ultimately affect public perception of government policies. This gap between practice and empirical understanding is the central problem this study seeks to address.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Investigative Journalism Practices on public perception of government policies in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
2. To assess the extent to which investigative journalism practices influences public perception of government policies within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with investigative journalism practices in relation to public perception of government policies.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing investigative journalism practices in order to improve public perception of government policies.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of investigative journalism practices on public perception of government policies in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja?
2. To what extent does investigative journalism practices influence public perception of government policies within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with investigative journalism practices in relation to public perception of government policies?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize investigative journalism practices in order to improve public perception of government policies?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around public perception of government policies. For managers and practitioners within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the study provides practical insight into how investigative journalism practices can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on mass communication by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this study confines itself to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, focusing specifically on how investigative journalism practices relates to public perception of government policies within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.