Background of the Study
Government reports and policy documents in Nigeria are essential instruments for conveying information on public administration and development initiatives. These texts are characterized by syntactic complexity, often involving lengthy sentences, multiple clauses, and specialized terminology (Eze, 2023). This study conducts a comparative analysis of syntactic complexity in Nigerian government reports by examining documents from various ministries and agencies. It explores how sentence structures vary across different types of reports and how such complexity affects clarity and accessibility for both policymakers and the public. The research also considers the influence of bureaucratic language norms and educational backgrounds on syntactic choices (Okeke, 2023). By employing both quantitative measures (e.g., sentence length, clause density) and qualitative discourse analysis, the study aims to identify best practices and challenges in government communication. The findings will contribute to the development of guidelines for more effective and transparent policy writing, thereby enhancing public understanding and accountability (Adebayo, 2024; Ibrahim, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the importance of clear government communication, the syntactic complexity of policy documents often hinders comprehension among the public and even among policymakers (Eze, 2023). There is limited research on how different governmental bodies manage syntactic complexity in their reports. Inconsistent language practices and overly complex sentence structures can lead to misinterpretations and impede transparency. This gap in knowledge affects the efficiency of public administration and the formulation of effective policies. Without systematic analysis, it is challenging to develop strategies that balance technical precision with clarity for diverse audiences (Okeke, 2023; Adebayo, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
To analyze syntactic complexity in Nigerian government policy documents.
To compare complexity levels across different governmental agencies.
To recommend strategies for enhancing clarity and accessibility.
Research Questions:
What are the common syntactic features in Nigerian government reports?
How does syntactic complexity vary across agencies?
What measures can reduce complexity while maintaining technical accuracy?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of syntactic complexity in Nigerian government reports, offering insights for clearer, more accessible policy communication. The findings will benefit government officials, educators, and communication experts by informing strategies to improve public understanding and administrative efficiency (Ibrahim, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to policy documents from selected Nigerian government agencies and does not include non-governmental or international reports.
Definitions of Terms:
Syntactic Complexity: The degree of intricacy in sentence structure and grammatical organization.
Policy Documents: Official written communications outlining government plans and regulations.
Clause Density: The number of subordinate and main clauses in a sentence.
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