The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen transparency, accountability, and citizens’ confidence in governance.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the Director-General of BPSR, Mr. Dasuki Arabi, described the partnership as a turning point in institutional synergy.
“It gives me great pleasure to address this important gathering as we witness the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR),” he said.
He commended NIPR’s leadership under Dr. Ike Neliaku, noting, “whose visionary leadership continues to drive professionalism and credibility in public communication across Nigeria.”
Arabi emphasised that the partnership builds on recent engagements between the two institutions. “Today’s event builds upon the collaborative engagement between our two institutions barely a month ago, where we resolved to work together in advancing reforms through strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and public trust. This MoU is therefore not just a formality, it is a clear commitment to institutional synergy and national progress,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of citizen participation in governance, Arabi stressed: “The Bureau of Public Service Reforms recognizes that reforms cannot thrive in silence. Citizens must not only be informed, but also carried along, if government is to succeed in building a service that is transparent, accountable, and people-centred.”
According to him, the collaboration will harness the strengths of both institutions in policy reform and professional communication to strengthen institutional credibility and enhance national development.
On his part, Registrar of NIPR, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, pledged the Institute’s full commitment to the agreement.
“I want to say that we are very happy to be here and at the stage where we are now for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement. I want to start by pledging the commitment of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to execute this agreement to its letter and even go beyond,” Onyegbadue affirmed.
He outlined key areas of the partnership, including the training of agency chief executives and the development of a measurement tool to assess strategic communication in government institutions. He further expressed NIPR’s readiness to support public service rebranding and capture citizens’ feedback on reforms.
“On the issue of rebranding the public service, if you invite us, we’ll be back here. The other one that has to do with citizens’ feedback on public service reforms, I also want to place that we are valuable to deliver on that anytime we are called upon,” Onyegbadue added.
The Registrar lauded BPSR’s leadership, stating: “I want to say with all sincerity that a lot has been done by your bureau, led by Dr. Arabi, who we respect and we honour.”
He further pledged to recommend Arabi for an honorary fellowship of the Institute. “I don’t think it will take more than one hour to conclude my recommendation for his honourary fellowship. That I will do in my capacity as the registrar and secretary to council. Then I’ll leave the rest for the council and the presidency.”
Both institutions reaffirmed their resolve to make reform not an abstract concept but a practical step toward building a more effective and trusted public service.
E-signed
Aliyu Umar
Head Strategic Communications, BPSR
25/9/2025
