Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerians citizens to deliberately rebuild trust and align global perception with the country’s ongoing reforms.
The Information Minister, made the call in Abuja, at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, with the theme: “Better Nigeria, Better Reputation,” organised by Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Speaking on the newly released National Reputation Perception Index by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) which presented Nigeria’s reputation score of 35.2 per cent, the Minister said the report should serve as a call to action rather than a final judgment.
Concrete Action
He described the timing of the summit as deliberate, action meant to steer up efforts for concrete action towards rebranding Nigeria’s reputation.
“This gathering is timely, coming just days after the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations unveiled the National Reputation Perception Index report. That timing is no coincidence. It reflects intent, planning, and a clear desire to move from measurement to action,” he said.
According to Idris, the index was the product of more than seven years of research and reflection, underscoring the need for sustained commitment to reputation management.
“Such long-term commitment is rare and admirable, and it shows that reputation building is not a sprint, but a sustained national project,” he said.
The Minister stressed that rebuilding Nigeria’s image could not be left to government alone.
“Ultimately, reputation is earned through action, not slogans. The government alone cannot build Nigeria’s reputation. It requires partnership with professionals, institutions, the private sector, and citizens,” he stressed.
Addressing the report’s findings, the minister said Nigeria’s 35.2 per cent reputation score placed the country in a low-trust band but should not be seen as a verdict.
“The results may be sobering, but they are also useful. A reputation score of 35.2 per cent places Nigeria in a low-trust band and highlights a gap between our potential and global perception. This is not a verdict; it is a mirror. And responsible nations must have the courage to look into that mirror and act,” he said.
Significant progress
The Minister acknowledged that while the report places Nigeria in a low-trust category, significant progress has been made in the last two years under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“We are not where we used to be. While perception often lags behind reality. Much has changed since the data used for this report was first gathered. In the last two years, Nigeria has embarked on a new reform path… progress is being made, and it must be communicated clearly, consistently, and honestly,” he said.
He pointed to Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, open political competition and a vibrant media landscape as key strengths that should count positively for the country’s image.
He stressed that governance and the economy, the present administration was strengthening local government autonomy, advancing security reforms and pursuing difficult but necessary economic measures.
“Our democracy has endured for 27 uninterrupted years. Political participation is open, plural, and competitive. Our press remains one of the freest in the world. The removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange system closed long-standing leakages and restored fiscal discipline. Inflation was easing, growth stabilising and foreign reserves improving,” he said.
He also highlighted infrastructure development, expanded primary healthcare, including oncology centres, and the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as part of efforts to boost long-term competitiveness.
Global attention
According to him, Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, particularly in fintech and the digital economy, was also gaining global attention, while education access had improved through the student loan scheme and the Student Venture Capital Grant.
Addressing recent negative narratives about Nigeria, particularly claims of religious intolerance, the Minister said such reports do not reflect the true character of the country. stressing that the government alone cannot shape Nigeria’s reputation.
Not a nation of intolerance
“Nigeria is not a nation of intolerance. We are actively correcting false narratives through diplomacy, stronger security efforts, and continued engagement with our partners. Reputation is earned through action, not slogans. It is built when policy meets purpose and when communication reflects truth. This is a national task, and every Nigerian has a role to play,” the Minister said.
Calling image redemption a national duty, Idris urged Nigerians to confront false narratives and project unity.
“Redeeming Nigeria’s image is a national call to duty, involving all of us, requiring a collective denouncing of false narratives, and promoting our unity.Together, we must align our narratives with our progress, address our weaknesses honestly, and project Nigeria with confidence and clarity,” he said.
The Information Minister further commended the leadership of the NIPR and the Board of the Nigerian Reputation Management Group for delivering Nigeria’s first comprehensive Reputation Perception Index within one year of its inauguration.