The Federal Government has assured delegates from over 126 countries of Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), scheduled for November 15–22 in Abuja, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu serving as Chief Host.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Wednesday at a world press conference in Abuja, ahead of the international gathering, which will bring together leading communication professionals and representatives of major international institutions.
Idris described the Forum as an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s capacity and strengthen its role in global communication discourse. He expressed appreciation to the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) for selecting Nigeria to host the global and continental gatherings simultaneously.
He noted that Nigeria would become the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to host the WPRF.
Speaking on the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” the Minister said the rapid transformation of the information ecosystem through digital platforms, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies had heightened concerns over misinformation, disinformation and declining public trust.
He urged public relations professionals to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency, ethical standards and the public interest, stressing that their responsibilities extended beyond managing reputations and promoting institutional interests.
Idris also highlighted the Federal Government’s support for the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja, describing it as a strategic intervention to equip citizens, particularly young people, with the skills to identify misleading information and navigate the digital environment responsibly.
On government communication, he said public institutions must adopt a two-way approach that allows them to explain policies and programmes while listening to citizens, addressing legitimate concerns and providing credible information.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry was working with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and relevant institutions to coordinate protocol, security, logistics, hospitality and stakeholder engagement for the Forum.
He welcomed international delegates to Nigeria and encouraged them to explore the country’s cultural heritage, hospitality and economic opportunities.
Earlier, the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, commended Idris for his support during Nigeria’s bid and preparations for the Forum.
Neliaku recalled that the Minister had directed the team to secure the hosting right, expressing appreciation for the contributions of government agencies and Ministry officials towards making the event possible.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of APRA, Dr Omoniyi P. Ibietan, described Nigeria’s hosting of the WPRF alongside the 37th APRA Conference as a historic opportunity for Africa to strengthen its collective voice and influence global communication discourse.
He said the gathering would provide an opportunity for the continent to speak with one voice on issues shaping the future of public relations and communication.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Professor Justin Green, disclosed that more than 126 countries were expected at the Forum, alongside representatives of the United Nations, World Bank, African Union and European Commission.
Green commended President Tinubu and the Minister for their support, describing Idris’s commitment as crucial to securing the hosting rights for Nigeria.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaire; Directors Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, Public Communication and National Orientation; Mr Ibidapo Okunnu, Publication, Production and Documentation; and Dr Suleiman Haruna, Public Relations and Protocol.
Others included the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo; Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr Mohammed Bulama; and other senior Ministry officials and NIPR members.
