The Nigerian Government has pledged full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the commitment on Thursday in Abuja when he received the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Professor Justin Green, who paid him a courtesy visit ahead of the forum.
Idris explained that 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 institutions and conversations.
“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,” the Minister stressed.
He gave assurance that preparations were underway and that the Nigerian Government would provide the necessary support to ensure a successful event.
“Nothing will be left undone to ensure the successful hosting of the World Public Relations Forum here in November. We are all getting prepared, and the expectations will be surpassed,” Idris added.
The President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) explained that Nigeria’s bid to host the forum began in 2024 when he approached Professor Green during the WPRF in Bali, Indonesia, to express Nigeria’s interest in hosting the 2026 edition.
He noted that the bid subsequently received strong government backing and was pursued through the NIPR, African Public Relations Association and Global Alliance.
“Professor Justin Green has been in the struggle to ensure that the World Public Relations Forum comes to Africa, and since we won the bid, he has been extremely supportive,” Neliaku stressed.
He disclosed that the 2026 forum would feature the Abuja Declaration, which is expected to provide a new framework for responsible communication and the future of the public relations profession.
The NIPR President also announced plans to establish 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 stated.
For his part, Professor Green thanked Idris and the Nigerian Government for their support, describing it as instrumental to the successful hosting of the forum in Nigeria.
“Without your support, we wouldn’t be here today. Your professionalism and your approach in galvanising the ministry and the wider administration have been fundamental,” the Global Alliance President remarked.
Green disclosed that more than 3,000 delegates from 126 countries were expected to attend the forum, describing it as an opportunity for Nigeria to engage the global communication community and present its story to the world.
“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,” he emphasised.
The 2026 WPRF, 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 event is expected to bring together public relations and communication professionals from across the world to deliberate on the future of the profession and the role of responsible communication in a changing global environment.
