The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has urged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to sustain its role in projecting Nigeria’s reputation, achievements, values and national identity to the global community.
Oyedele made the call in Abuja when he received a delegation of the NIPR, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, in his office.
The Minister stressed the need for deliberate, strategic and fact based reputation management to strengthen confidence in Nigeria at home and abroad.
He cautioned against allowing sentiments and emotions to shape the country’s narrative, urging communication professionals to rely on facts, professionalism and responsible communication in telling Nigeria’s story to the world.
Oyedele said Nigeria’s economic transformation and development efforts must be matched by effective communication and strategic reputation management capable of building confidence, attracting investment and strengthening international partnerships.
He commended the NIPR for its contribution to the ongoing tax reform process and its efforts to position public relations as a strategic tool for national development.
The Minister expressed support for initiatives that bring together public relations practitioners, policymakers, business leaders, academics and other stakeholders to examine how strategic communication can contribute to Nigeria’s development and global standing.
Earlier, Neliaku thanked the Minister for his support and recognition of the strategic role of public relations in national development.
He said the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum would provide an important international platform for Nigeria to engage the global public relations community and showcase the country’s values, opportunities, achievements and aspirations.
Neliaku disclosed that the forum would bring together leading public relations professionals, policymakers, academics, business leaders and other stakeholders from 126 countries to deliberate on contemporary issues relating to reputation, communication and national development.
He reaffirmed the NIPR’s commitment to working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s story is communicated accurately, professionally and strategically to both domestic and international audiences.
According to him, the Institute would continue to deploy public relations to build trust, strengthen Nigeria’s reputation and promote greater understanding of the country’s economic and development opportunities.
Neliaku said the NIPR would also continue to champion professionalism, ethical communication and strategic reputation management as essential tools for projecting Nigeria to the world.
He disclosed that the World Public Relations Forum is scheduled to hold from November 15 to 21, 2026, in Abuja, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to declare the event open, while the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
He added that the forum would showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage alongside programmes and activities designed to strengthen the country’s engagement with the global communications community.
Neliaku further disclosed that the forum would culminate in the “Abuja Declaration,” which he said would provide a strategic framework for advancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global communications and public relations landscape.
Efe Ovuakporie
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations
19 September 2026
