Idris assures NIPR of FG support for 2026 World PR forum

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) of the Federal Government’s full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja.

Idris gave the assurance in Abuja when he received the President and Chairman of Council of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Prof. Justin Green, who paid a courtesy visit ahead of the November forum.

The minister said Nigeria’s successful bid to host the WPRF, alongside the first UNESCO Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), reflected growing international confidence in the country’s capacity to host major global events and facilitate conversations on communication and information.

“Everyone in this country is waiting to receive you, and by extension, waiting to receive the world. This is a clear indication to me that the world is now looking up to Nigeria,” Idris said.

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He said preparations for the forum were well underway, assuring the organisers that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to ensure a successful event.

Idris said the forum would provide an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s capacity, hospitality and leadership in Africa.

Neliaku said Nigeria’s bid to host the WPRF began in 2024 when he approached Green during the World Public Relations Forum in Bali, Indonesia, to express the country’s interest in hosting the 2026 edition.

He said the bid subsequently received government backing and was pursued through the NIPR, African Public Relations Association and Global Alliance.

Neliaku commended Green for his efforts in supporting the hosting of the forum in Africa and said his commitment had remained instrumental since Nigeria won the bid.

He disclosed that the 2026 forum would feature the Abuja Declaration, which is expected to provide a framework for responsible communication and the future direction of the public relations profession.

He also announced plans for the establishment of a University of Public Relations and Leadership in Nigeria.

“The Abuja Declaration is coming alive in Nigeria, providing a new opportunity to shape the future of public relations and communication for the next decade,” Neliaku said.

Green thanked Idris and the Federal Government for their support, saying the government’s commitment had been instrumental to bringing the global forum to Nigeria.

He said more than 3,000 delegates from 126 countries were expected to attend the event, describing it as an opportunity for Nigeria to engage the global communication community and present its story to an international audience.

“The world’s eyes are on Nigeria in November, and I have no doubt whatsoever that Nigeria will not only fulfil expectations; you will go far beyond them,” Green said.

The 2026 World Public Relations Forum, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” is scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21, alongside the 37th African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, NIPR, African Public Relations Association, Nigerian Press Council and Nigerian Television Authority, among others.