The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) says preparations covering security, transportation, accommodation and other critical logistics are nearing completion for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).
Chairman of the WPRF Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, addressing the October meeting of the NIPR FCT Chapter and expressing confidence in the institute’s preparedness for the international event, said more than 400 members, predominantly from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have volunteered to support the global gathering in Abuja.
“At the last count, over 400 members, mostly from the FCT chapter, have registered to volunteer, even to join, to make sure that they have contributed in person to the success of WPRF,” Haruna said.
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He said security arrangements had been concluded in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Services (DSS).
“Arrangements, I can confidently tell you, have been concluded,” he said, adding that officers’ numbers and deployment plans had been agreed upon to safeguard participants throughout the programme.
On transportation, Haruna disclosed that between 20 and 30 vehicles had been secured through organisational partnerships to facilitate movement between the event venue and participating hotels.
Haruna also highlighted progress in international participation, saying the planning committee had received numerous enquiries about visa applications, and expressed appreciation to the Nigeria immigration officials for helping to expedite processing.
He disclosed that 19 hotels had offered discounted accommodation rates, while the aviation committee had negotiated discounts on domestic and international flights for participants travelling to Abuja.
The planning committee chairman said media partnerships had been formalised with major Nigerian media organisations, while sponsors were contributing financially and through logistical support.
He specifically acknowledged the Nigeria Customs Service for providing ₦50 million and pledging buses and sport utility vehicles, including drivers and fuel, for the forum.
Haruna urged more organisations to support the gathering, noting that sponsorship opportunities remained open.
He outlined the programme’s major components, including a knowledge conference on Monday, professional and leadership sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, the African Public Relations Association (APRA) conference on Thursday, and a youth summit on Friday, The opening ceremony is to hold on Tuesday.
The forum, he said, would bring together practitioners and stakeholders for professional exchange, leadership development and stronger international collaboration.
Haruna also addressed concerns generated by reports of Ebola in Nigeria, directing members to the official WPRF website for verified updates, travel guidance and accommodation information.
He said the health-related statement published on the website had come from the World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for Africa, rather than NIPR.
The preparations underscore the importance of institutional partnerships, volunteerism and coordinated communication in delivering a major international professional gathering, while positioning Abuja as a platform for global knowledge exchange and public relations development.
