The Federal Government has urged Nigerians, professionals, institutions, and the private sector to take collective responsibility for building and protecting the country’s reputation through honest communication and demonstrable progress.
The call was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 held in Abuja.
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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 crucial step in understanding how the country is perceived both domestically and internationally.
“The report is not a verdict on Nigeria. It is a mirror. And as a responsible nation, we must have the courage to look into that mirror and act,” Idris said.
He commended the NIPR, the Nigerian Reputation Management Group, and its leadership for producing the index after several years of research, noting that building a strong national reputation is a long-term effort that requires discipline and consistency.
While acknowledging that the report places Nigeria in a low-trust category, the Minister highlighted significant progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the past two years.
“We are not where we used to be. While perception often lags behind reality, real progress is being made, and it must be communicated clearly, consistently, and honestly,”
Idris pointed to Nigeria’s democratic stability, noting 27 uninterrupted years of democracy, active political participation, and one of the freest media environments globally.
“These are not small achievements. They speak directly to leadership, credibility, and trust, which are at the heart of national reputation,”
On governance and economic reforms, he highlighted measures aimed at strengthening local government autonomy, improving security through community-focused initiatives, and restoring fiscal discipline, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange system.
“Difficult decisions were taken, but they were necessary. Today, inflation is easing, growth is stabilising, and our foreign reserves are improving,”
He also emphasized ongoing investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and youth-focused innovation programmes, including student loans and venture funding for young entrepreneurs.
Addressing negative narratives about Nigeria, particularly claims of religious intolerance, Idris stated: “Nigeria is not a nation of intolerance. We are actively correcting false narratives through diplomacy, stronger security efforts, and continued engagement with our partners.”
The Minister stressed that the government alone cannot shape the country’s reputation. “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,” he said.
He urged communication professionals and citizens to promote unity, reject false narratives, and project Nigeria with confidence and clarity.
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The summit featured several notable attendees, including Chief Babatunde Raji Fashola, former Minister of Works and Housing and two-time Lagos Governor, as the keynote speaker; 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.
The Minister thanked participants for their commitment to national development and wished them a productive summit.