FIC Report (Lagos State) – The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has declared strategic public relations an “indispensable component of national security, nation building and public trust”, urging government and institutions to move beyond enforcement and embrace communication as a frontline defense.
The call was made Saturday at the grand finale of Lagos PR Fest 2026, held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, where communication professionals, security experts, academics, policymakers and corporate leaders converged for a week-long series of engagements.
In his address, a keynote speaker stressed that securing the nation in 2026 requires more than force.
“We must institutionalise communication with transparent, two-way engagement that builds public confidence and transforms citizens from passive observers into active partners in safeguarding national security,” he said.
He outlined six priorities to strengthen public trust. According to him, institutions must focus on “rebuilding institutional credibility through evidence-based communication; promoting transparency and accountability across public institutions; strengthening grassroots engagement for intelligence gathering; expanding youth participation in security conversations; promoting unified national messaging that transcends ethnic and religious divisions; and deepening collaboration among government institutions, security agencies and the media during crises.”
The Inspector-General of Police, who was represented at the event, also commended the Lagos NIPR for the initiative.
He said the Chapter “convened a timely national conversation capable of strengthening trust between institutions and the public.”
A major highlight was a panel discussion moderated by Channels Television Anchor, Mr. Ayo Makinde.
Panelists included Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga of Lagos State University; Eniola Mayowa, fnipr, Vice-Chairman, Lagos NIPR; Basil Agboarumi, fnipr, CEO of The Onward Public Relations; and CP Tjani Fatai, Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
The discussants reinforced the conference theme that national security cannot be sustained by enforcement alone.
“National security requires continuous public engagement, ethical communication and institutional transparency,” one panelist noted.
They further stressed that rebuilding confidence demands “openness, consistency and accountability,” while warning that strategic communication is critical to “countering misinformation, strengthening citizen participation and promoting responsible media reporting.”
The panel also called for stronger partnerships.
“We need security agencies, communication professionals, civil society, academia and the private sector working together to foster community-based intelligence, national cohesion and sustainable peace,” another panelist added.
Participants at the event agreed that PR professionals now carry a heavier burden.
They noted that practitioners have “an increasingly important responsibility in shaping public understanding, managing crises, influencing positive behavioural change and building trust that strengthens democratic governance.”
The grand finale marked the climax of a week-long PR Fest that featured a special Jumat service, Members’ Hangout, African Night, sporting activities, Thanksgiving Service, Fellows’ Luncheon, mentorship webinar, facility tours and other professional engagements.
In its closing remarks, the Lagos State Chapter reaffirmed its commitment.
“The Institute is advancing strategic public relations as a catalyst for national development,” the Chapter stated, while calling “on governments, public institutions, corporate organisations and citizens to embrace responsible communication as a shared responsibility in building a safer, stronger and more united Nigeria.”
The 2026 edition of Lagos PR Fest is widely regarded as one of the Institute’s most policy-focused gatherings to date.
Dimaka Chioma
Deputy Director
Information/Public Relations.
11 / 07 / 2026.
