Nigeria to Host Global PR Forum as NASC Pledges Full Support

The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has pledged full support to the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) toward the successful hosting of the upcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled to take place in Abuja this November.

The World Public Relations Forum, organised under the auspices of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, is a globally recognised platform that convenes communication experts, policymakers, academics, business leaders, and public relations professionals from around the world. The forum focuses on emerging trends, ethical standards, innovation, and the future of strategic communication.

Nigeria recently secured the right to host the prestigious “3-in-1” global event in its capital city, Abuja.

On Monday, Acting President of NIPR, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura led members of the WPRF National Planning Committee on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of NASC, Chief Saviour Enyiekere The visit aimed to brief the commission on preparations and seek institutional collaboration for the event.

Speaking during the meeting, Chief Enyiekere reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the Institute to ensure the forum is both successful and memorable. He noted that hosting such a global gathering would significantly boost Nigeria’s international image and strengthen institutional communication systems.

He expressed particular excitement that the event is expected to attract participants from about 150 countries, especially at a time when concerns about insecurity have shaped perceptions about Nigeria abroad.

“It is a great feat to bring the world to Nigeria at this period when many foreigners are hesitant to visit because of security concerns,” he said.

Earlier, Prof. Dandaura stated that hosting the forum presents an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s professional competence, cultural heritage, and communication expertise to a global audience.

According to him, the event will:

Position Nigeria as a strategic communication hub in Africa

Stimulate tourism and the hospitality sector

Encourage international partnerships and investment

Promote ethical standards and innovation in public relations practice

The NIPR leadership also emphasized the need for stronger government backing to effectively regulate the public relations profession and project a positive national narrative.

The Institute urged the Commission to comply with existing NIPR regulations, which prohibit unqualified individuals from serving as spokespersons or protocol officers without proper certification and registration.

Additionally, the NIPR encouraged NASC to enrol its public relations personnel in professional training and capacity-building programmes organised by the Institute. Prof. Dandaura further called on the Commission to sponsor its PR staff to actively participate in NIPR activities to enhance productivity and professional standards.

The Institute also invited Chief Enyiekere to participate in its upcoming legislative session during the forum.

The visit was facilitated by the WPRF-NIPR Legislature Team in collaboration with the NASC Department of Public Affairs.