Nigeria says it is prepared to welcome delegates from more than 126 countries for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), with the Federal Government promising adequate arrangements for the international gathering.
The forum, scheduled for November 15 to 22, will also feature the 37th African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference, with President Bola Tinubu serving as Chief Host.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a world press conference in Abuja, describing the event as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria's influence in global communication.
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He said representatives of leading international institutions, including the United Nations, World Bank, African Union and European Commission, were expected to attend.
Idris expressed appreciation to the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and APRA for choosing Nigeria to host the two major gatherings simultaneously.
He noted that Nigeria was the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to host the World Public Relations Forum.
The minister said the theme, 'Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World', was particularly relevant as digital platforms and artificial intelligence continued to transform information sharing and public engagement.
He warned that the changing information landscape had heightened concerns about misinformation, disinformation and declining public trust.
"Public relations professionals must recognise that their responsibility goes beyond managing reputations or promoting institutional interests. They have a duty to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency, ethical standards and the public interest," Idris said.
He also stressed the Federal Government's support for establishing the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja.
According to him, the institute will help equip Nigerians, particularly young people, with the skills to identify misleading information and navigate the digital environment responsibly.
Idris stressed that government communication should involve listening to citizens and responding to their concerns rather than merely publicising policies.
"For governments, communication must be a two-way process. It must not only explain policies and programmes but also listen to citizens, address legitimate concerns and provide accurate information that enables people to make informed decisions," he said.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation was working with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and other relevant institutions to coordinate protocol, security, logistics, hospitality and stakeholder engagement for the event.
"The 2026 World Public Relations Forum is an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its capacity, strengthen its international partnerships, and help shape the future of responsible communication," he said.
"We are ready, our doors are open, our people are welcoming, and the Federal Government stands firmly behind this important undertaking."
Earlier, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, commended Idris for supporting Nigeria's successful bid to host the international gathering.
Neliaku recalled the minister's directive to the team during the hosting campaign, saying, "You said, 'Go, don't come back without result.' You gave us that marching order, and we made sure that we started it from there."
He also acknowledged the contributions of government agencies and officials of the ministry towards preparations for the event.
The Secretary-General of APRA, Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, described the joint hosting of the WPRF and the 37th APRA Conference as an opportunity for Africa to strengthen its presence in global communication discussions.
He said the gathering would enable African professionals to promote a common position on communication and public relations.
"We want to speak with one voice as a continent," Ibietan said.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Prof Justin Green, said more than 126 countries were expected to participate.
He commended Tinubu and Idris for supporting Nigeria's hosting bid, describing the minister's commitment as crucial to bringing the international event to the country.
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