The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to host a world-class 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja.
It described Nigeria’s emergence as host as a major milestone in the nation’s information and communications profile.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Monday at the 2025 End-of-Year Media Engagement held in Abuja.
He said Nigeria’s successful bid to host the WPRF ranks among the country’s most significant achievements in the global communications space in the outgoing year.
Idris, according to a statement by the NIPR Director of Publicity, Stanley Ogadigo, described the hosting rights as historic.
He noted that Nigeria will also host the African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference in the same year.
According to him, this makes Nigeria the first African country to host the two major public relations events within one calendar year.
The minister said, “This unprecedented double hosting is a clear vote of confidence in Nigeria’s growing stature as a hub for responsible communication and strategic public relations in Africa.”
He added the development underscores renewed global trust in the country’s institutions and its capacity to convene high-level international events.
He reiterated the federal government’s support, assuring that all necessary backing would be provided to ensure the November 2026 edition of the WPRF in Abuja is “the biggest, brightest and boldest in the history of the forum.”
He urged public and private sector stakeholders to rally behind the initiative to project Nigeria positively on the global stage.
The minister also stressed the event aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader agenda of repositioning Nigeria’s image, strengthening strategic communication and leveraging international platforms to promote investment, tourism and cultural diplomacy.
Speaking after the event, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, expressed satisfaction with the level of international interest already generated by the forthcoming forum.
He disclosed that a significant number of countries have indicated interest and begun registration to participate in the 2026 WPRF in Nigeria.
Neliaku encouraged prospective delegates to take advantage of the early-bird registration package, which closes in January, while also calling on local and international corporate organisations to partner with the event for enhanced global visibility and strategic mileage.
The 2026 WPRF is expected to attract leading public relations professionals, policymakers, scholars and industry leaders from across the world, further placing Nigeria at the centre of global conversations on communication, reputation management and public trust
Sunday Aborisade
About the Author
