By Mark Aba
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its readiness to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), assuring participants and the international community of Nigeria’s capacity to deliver a successful and memorable event.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a world press conference in Abuja ahead of the Forum, scheduled to hold from November 15 to 22, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chief Host.
More than 126 countries, alongside leading international organisations, are expected to participate in the global gathering.
Idris described the Forum as a significant opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its organisational capacity, strengthen its international profile and contribute to global conversations on communication and public relations.
He expressed appreciation to the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) for choosing Nigeria to host both the global Forum and the continental conference simultaneously.
The Minister noted that Nigeria would become 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 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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,” he said.
Speaking on the Forum’s 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 created new challenges, particularly the spread of misinformation and disinformation and the erosion of public trust.
He urged public relations professionals to remain committed to truth, accuracy, transparency, professional ethics and the public interest.
According to him, the responsibilities of communication professionals extend beyond managing reputations and promoting institutional interests to ensuring that information serves the broader good of society.
“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.
Idris also highlighted the Federal Government’s support for the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja.
He described the initiative as a strategic investment in equipping Nigerians, particularly young people, with the knowledge and skills required to identify misleading information and navigate the digital environment responsibly.
The Minister further emphasised the need for government communication to be inclusive and responsive, stressing that authorities must not only explain policies and programmes but also listen to citizens and address their concerns.
“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.
He disclosed that the Ministry was working closely with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and other relevant institutions to ensure effective coordination of protocol, security, logistics, hospitality and stakeholder engagement ahead of the Forum.
Idris welcomed the expected delegates and encouraged them to explore Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, hospitality and economic opportunities during their stay.
Earlier, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, commended the Minister for his support during Nigeria’s bid to host the Forum and the subsequent preparations.
Neliaku recalled that Idris had directed the team to ensure Nigeria secured the hosting rights, acknowledging the contributions of government agencies and officials of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
“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,” he recalled.
Similarly, 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 expand its influence in global communication discourse.
He also acknowledged the Minister’s leadership and support, emphasising the importance of strong African participation in the gathering.
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.
He said representatives of the United Nations, World Bank, African Union and European Commission would also participate in the event.
Green commended President Tinubu and Idris for their support, describing the Minister’s commitment as instrumental to bringing the international gathering to Nigeria.
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