Information policies and government guidance in Nigeria: what hope for rural communities?

The current development crisis in Nigeria is not the result of inadequate resources but is a product of "mismanagement." Nigeria's lack of an information policy has led to a chaotic information environment. Four development plans from 1962-1985 have dealt with various facets of information policy but did not develop clearly stated and coherent policies. National information policies in Nigeria should focus on identifying information needs, information resource development, coordination and resource sharing, training and education for the information work force, the role of professional associations, promoting effective use, and rural development planning. Since the rural populace constitutes the largest segment of the country's population, providing information to rural areas is of special importance.