Audience Perception of Social Media Coverage of New National Minimum Wage in Nigeria (a Study of Residents of Offa, kwara state)

ABSTRACTThe study focuses on Nigerian audiences' perception of social media coverage of the new national minimum wage and it is limited to residents of Offa Local Government. Social media has become a significant platform for discussing these economic issues, allowing citizens, labor unions, and policymakers to share opinions, provide updates, and even mobilize public action. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are widely used in Nigeria, particularly among the younger demographic, who actively engage with social and economic discussions. For the purpose of this research work, descriptive survey method is adopted. The population of this study are the staff of Offa Local Government, Kwara State. The sample size was determined using Taro Yamane formular for determining sample size for a given population for easy reference, therefore the sample size is 399. This research work concludes that mass media use social media platforms to orientate citizens on the National minimum wage, the extent social media message on National minimum wage influences them as a person very high, the level of workers exposure to mass media messages on National minimum wage is high, and there is effectiveness in media reports on National minimum wage is high. It is recommended that to ensure effective, efficient and un-biased political mobilization by the mass media, there should be completely total autonomy, which will in turn ensure a free and independent press, It is the researcher's opinion that the independence of the media can go a long way to make things right and purposeful in informing the people in the community current issue and government new policy by the media to the general public benefit. Media workers and journalist should be encouraged or motivated through giving adequate remuneration to boost their morals put in their best in their undertaking. Journalist should be allowed to go for training to develop their skills and potentials, and sometimes send abroad to gain exposure.