Nigeria has announced its readiness to lead the global push for ethical and responsible communication as it prepares to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).
The country’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the upcoming event as a landmark moment for both national and international dialogue.
Speaking at the event’s national unveiling in Abuja on Monday, Idris highlighted Nigeria’s ambition under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership to become “the biggest, brightest, and boldest voice for ethical and responsible communication in Africa and beyond.”
The 2026 WPRF, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” will showcase Nigeria’s communication capabilities while reaffirming its role in shaping global narratives grounded in truth, empathy, and public service.
Idris emphasised the forum was not just a routine event but a critical opportunity for Nigeria to lead conversations on responsible communication worldwide.
He cautioned that communication, while powerful and transformative, could become harmful if misused, noting that “the speed of information has surpassed the speed of reflection,” making ethical communication more essential than ever.
Linking the forum to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Idris explained that the initiative aimed to rebuild trust between government and citizens through transparency, engagement, and shared goals, with communication at the core of this effort.
“The Renewed Hope vision seeks to rebuild trust between government and the people, trust anchored on openness, engagement, and shared purpose. Communication is the lifeblood of that trust,” the minister said.
Idris also acknowledged Nigeria’s emerging status as a global leader in communication ethics, citing ongoing government efforts such as the National Orientation Policy and Open Government Communication Framework to foster transparency and truthful governance.
The minister, however condemned external attempts to damage Nigeria’s reputation by spreading false claims of religious persecution, stating unequivocally, “there’s no iota of truth in the claim of a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria.
”This is propaganda externally woven by those who want to weaken our unity.”
He called on communication professionals to combat such misleading narratives using facts and integrity, urging them to promote a balanced and fact-based image of Nigeria.
Describing the forum as more than a global conference, Idris said it would position Nigeria as a “model of transformation through communication.”
He highlighted ongoing reforms under the Tinubu administration that were positioning Nigeria as a center for innovation, private sector growth, and renewed international confidence.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the world is seeing a Nigeria that is reforming, rebranding, and re-emerging.
“Hosting this global event will reaffirm that Nigeria is not only the communication hub of Africa but also a responsible global partner in shaping narratives for peace, prosperity, and shared progress, ” he said.
The minister praised the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, led by Professor Justin Green, for creating the WPRF platform, describing it as “a beacon for PR professionals envisioning communication as a catalyst to solve humanity’s challenges.”
He also lauded the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, headed by Dr. Ike Neliaku, for securing the hosting rights for the 2026 forum, noting that their efforts have successfully drawn global attention to Nigeria.
