ABUJA, Nigeria: The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared its readiness to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), with delegates from more than 126 countries and representatives of major international institutions expected to attend the gathering scheduled for 15 to 22 November.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris announced the preparations on Wednesday, 11 November, during a world press conference in Abuja, where he assured international participants that Nigeria was prepared to deliver a successful event.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as Chief Host of the forum, which is expected to bring together global public relations practitioners, communication experts, policymakers and institutional leaders to discuss the future of responsible communication.
Idris described the gathering as an important opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its international partnerships, demonstrate its organisational capacity and contribute to discussions shaping the global communication industry.
He also expressed appreciation to the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) for selecting Nigeria to host the international forum alongside the continental association’s gathering.
Nigeria will become the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to host the World Public Relations Forum.
“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.
The 2026 forum will be held under the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” at a time when the rapid expansion of digital platforms, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies is transforming how information is produced, distributed and consumed.
Idris said the changing media environment had created serious challenges for public communication, particularly the spread of misinformation and disinformation and the growing difficulty of maintaining public confidence in information sources.
He called on public relations practitioners to place professional ethics, accuracy and transparency at the centre of their work, arguing that their responsibilities extend beyond protecting institutional reputations.
“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 pointed to Nigeria’s support for the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja.
The proposed institute is intended to strengthen media and information literacy, equipping citizens, particularly young people, with the knowledge and skills to recognise misleading information and engage responsibly with the digital environment.
Idris said the initiative formed part of wider efforts to improve public understanding of information and strengthen the country’s response to the challenges created by digital communication.
He also addressed the relationship between government institutions and citizens, saying effective public communication should involve listening to the public rather than simply explaining government policies and programmes.
“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.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is working with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and other relevant institutions to coordinate arrangements for the forum.
Preparations cover protocol, security, logistics, hospitality and engagement with participating stakeholders.
Idris invited international delegates to experience Nigeria’s cultural heritage, hospitality and economic opportunities during their visit.
“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.
NIPR and APRA welcome Nigeria’s hosting role
Earlier at the press conference, NIPR President Dr Ike Neliaku commended Idris for his support during Nigeria’s campaign to secure the hosting rights and the preparations leading up to the international gathering.
Neliaku recalled that the minister had given the Nigerian delegation a direct instruction to secure the event when the country began pursuing the opportunity.
“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.
He also acknowledged the contributions of government agencies and officials within the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, saying their involvement had helped advance preparations for the event.
APRA Secretary-General Dr Omoniyi P. Ibietan described the decision to host the World Public Relations Forum alongside the 37th APRA Conference as a significant moment for African communication professionals.
He said the simultaneous gatherings would provide the continent with an opportunity to strengthen its collective voice and increase its influence in international discussions on communication, public relations and information management.
Ibietan also commended the minister’s leadership and the support provided by the Nigerian government.
“We want to speak with one voice as a continent,” Ibietan said.
Professor Justin Green, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, disclosed that more than 126 countries were expected to participate.
He said representatives of the United Nations, World Bank, African Union and European Commission were also expected to attend, giving the forum a broad international institutional presence.
Green praised President Tinubu and Idris for supporting Nigeria’s successful hosting bid, crediting the minister’s commitment as instrumental in bringing the event to the country.
“Your minister, your minister, because without him, this event would not be happening,” Green declared.
The press conference was attended by Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Dr Binyerem C. Ukaire, alongside senior government officials and representatives of Nigeria’s broadcasting and communications institutions.
Those present included Directors Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, responsible for Public Communication and National Orientation; Mr Ibidapo Okunnu, responsible for Publication, Production and Documentation; and Dr Suleiman Haruna, responsible for Public Relations and Protocol.
Also in attendance were Voice of Nigeria Director-General Jibrin Baba Ndace, Nigerian Television Authority Director-General Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Director-General Dr Olalekan Olumuyiwa Fadolapo and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Director-General Dr Mohammed Bulama.
Other participants included senior officials of the Information Ministry and members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
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