Federal Govt Declares Readiness To Host 2026 World Public Relations Forum

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 15 to 22 November, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chief Host.

More than 126 countries are expected to participate in the global gathering, alongside representatives of leading international institutions, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the African Union and the European Commission.

Idris described the Forum as an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s capacity, strengthen its international partnerships and enhance its role in shaping global communication discourse.

He 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 global and continental gatherings 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 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,” he 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 over misinformation, disinformation and declining public trust.

He urged public relations professionals to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency, ethical standards and the public interest in discharging their responsibilities.

“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 establishing the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja.

He described the initiative as a strategic intervention to equip citizens, particularly young people, with the skills to identify misleading information and navigate the digital environment responsibly.

Idris stressed that government communication must go beyond explaining policies and programmes to listening to citizens, addressing legitimate concerns and providing credible information that can build 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.

He disclosed that the Ministry was working with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and relevant institutions to coordinate protocol, security, logistics, hospitality and stakeholder engagement for the Forum.

The Minister welcomed international delegates to Nigeria and encouraged 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,” he declared.

Earlier, the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, commended Idris for his support during Nigeria’s bid and preparations to host the Forum.

Neliaku recalled that the Minister had directed the team to ensure Nigeria secured the hosting rights 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,” he recalled.

Also speaking, 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, stressing the importance of the continent’s participation in the global conversation.

“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 to attend the Forum, alongside representatives of the United Nations, the World Bank, the African Union and the European Commission.

Green praised President Tinubu and Idris for their support, describing the Minister’s commitment as instrumental to bringing the international event to Nigeria.

“Your minister, your minister, because without him, this event would not be happening,” he declared.