FG DECLARES READINESS TO HOST WORLD PUBLIC RELATIONS FORUM AS DELEGATES FROM OVER 126 COUNTRIES SET TO ATTEND
The Federal Government has declared its readiness to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), assuring the international community of Nigeria’s capacity to deliver a successful event. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Wednesday, at a world press conference in Abuja, ahead of the Forum scheduled for November 15–22, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu serving as Chief Host. Over 126 countries and leading international institutions are expected to participate.
Idris described the Forum as an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s capacity and strengthen its role in global communication discourse. He thanked 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 is the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to host the WPRF.
“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and particularly His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who is the Chief Host of the historic 2026 World Public Relations Forum, I wish to express our profound appreciation to the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association for the confidence reposed in Nigeria,” the Minister said.
Speaking on the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” Idris said the rapid transformation of the information ecosystem through digital platforms, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies had heightened concerns around misinformation, disinformation and declining public trust. He urged public relations professionals to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency, ethical standards and the public interest.
“Public relations professionals must recognise that their responsibility goes beyond managing reputations or promoting institutional interests. They have a duty to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency, ethical standards and the public interest,” he stated.
The Minister 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.
He stressed that government communication must go beyond explaining policies to listening to citizens, addressing legitimate concerns and providing credible information that builds public trust.
“For governments, communication must be a two-way process. It must not only explain policies and programmes but also listen to citizens, address legitimate concerns and provide accurate information that enables people to make informed decisions,” he said.
Idris said the Ministry was working with NIPR and relevant institutions to coordinate protocol, security, logistics, hospitality and stakeholder engagement for the Forum. He welcomed delegates to Nigeria and urged them to explore the country’s cultural heritage, hospitality and economic opportunities.
“The 2026 World Public Relations Forum is an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its capacity, strengthen its international partnerships, and help shape the future of responsible communication. We are ready, our doors are open, our people are welcoming, and the Federal Government stands firmly behind this important undertaking,” the Minister declared.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, commended Idris for his support during Nigeria’s bid and preparations for the Forum. He recalled the Minister’s directive to the team to secure the hosting right and praised the contributions of government agencies and Ministry officials.
“You said, ‘Go, don’t come back without result.’ You gave us that marching order, and we made sure that we started it from there,” Neliaku recalled.
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 commended the Minister’s leadership and support, noting the importance of the continent’s participation.
“We want to speak with one voice as a continent,” Ibietan said.
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. He praised President Tinubu and Minister Idris for their support, describing the Minister’s commitment as crucial to bringing the event to Nigeria.
“Your minister, your minister, because without him, this event would not be happening,” Green declared.
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); Director-General, Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, mnipr; Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Director-General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo; Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr Mohammed Bulama; and other senior Ministry officials and members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
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