Writing by Bello Wakili; Editing by Basirat Memudu
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians across all sectors, professionals, institutions, civil society, and the private sector to work together in building and sustaining a positive national reputation anchored on integrity, progress, and responsible communication.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Tuesday at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Minister described the unveiling of Nigeria’s first National Reputation Perception Index by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) as a landmark achievement and a vital tool for national self-assessment.
“This report is not a judgement on Nigeria; it is a mirror. And as a serious and responsible nation, we must have the courage to look into that mirror, learn from it, and act decisively,” he said.
The Minister commended the NIPR, the Nigerian Reputation Management Group, and their leadership for producing the index after years of rigorous research, noting that reputation building is a long-term national project that demands consistency, discipline, and shared responsibility.
While acknowledging that the report places Nigeria in a low-trust category, the Minister stressed that meaningful progress has been recorded over the past two years under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are not where we used to be. Perception often trails reality, but the reality today is that significant reforms are underway. Our task is to communicate these changes clearly, consistently, and honestly,” he said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s democratic credentials, Idris noted that the country has enjoyed 27 consecutive years of uninterrupted democratic governance, characterised by open political participation and one of the freest media environments in the world.
“These are important national strengths. They speak directly to leadership credibility, institutional stability, and public trust—core pillars of national reputation,” he stated.
On governance and economic reform, the Minister outlined ongoing efforts to deepen local government autonomy, enhance security through community-based initiatives, and restore fiscal discipline through landmark policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system.
“These were difficult but necessary decisions. Today, inflation is easing, economic growth is stabilising, and our foreign reserves are improving. These outcomes reinforce the importance of staying the course,” he said.
He also highlighted sustained investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and youth-focused innovation, including the student loan scheme and venture funding initiatives for young entrepreneurs.
Addressing negative narratives about Nigeria, particularly allegations of religious intolerance, the Minister rejected such portrayals as misleading and unrepresentative of the nation’s true character.
“Nigeria is not a nation of intolerance. We are actively engaging the international community, strengthening internal security, and correcting misinformation through diplomacy and strategic communication,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that government alone cannot shape Nigeria’s reputation.
“Reputation is earned through consistent action, not slogans. It is built when policies align with purpose and when communication reflects truth. This is a national responsibility, and every Nigerian has a role to play,” he said.
He urged communication professionals, institutions, and citizens to promote unity, counter false narratives, and project Nigeria with confidence, balance, and clarity.
The Minister thanked participants for their commitment to national development and wished them a productive and impactful summit.
The summit was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Chief Babatunde Raji Fashola, former Minister of Works and Housing and two-time Governor of Lagos State, who delivered the keynote address; Mrs Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs; Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON); Malam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON); and Dr Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), among other dignitaries.
