Nigeria is preparing to take centre stage in the global communications industry as Abuja hosts the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) from November 15 to 21.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has pledged the Federal Government’s full support for the forum, saying its successful hosting will demonstrate Nigeria’s growing influence and ability to convene major international events.
Idris gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when he received the President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Professor Justin Green.
He described Nigeria’s successful bid to host the WPRF, alongside the first UNESCO Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute, as evidence of growing international confidence in the country.
“Everyone in this country is waiting to receive you, and by extension, waiting to receive the world. This is a clear indication to me that the world is now looking up to Nigeria,” the minister said.
With preparations already underway, Idris promised that the government would leave nothing undone to ensure a successful event that reflects Nigeria’s capacity, hospitality and leadership in Africa.
More than 3,000 delegates from 126 countries are expected to attend the forum, which will be held alongside the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference.
Themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” the gathering is expected to bring together leading voices shaping the future of public relations and global communication.
For Neliaku, the event is the result of a journey that began in 2024, when he approached Professor Green during the World Public Relations Forum in Bali, Indonesia, to express Nigeria’s interest in hosting the 2026 edition.
The bid later secured the backing of the Federal Government and was pursued through the NIPR, the African Public Relations Association and the Global Alliance.
A major outcome of the forum will be the Abuja Declaration, a proposed framework for responsible communication and the future of the public relations profession.
Neliaku also announced plans to establish a University of Public Relations and Leadership in Nigeria.
Professor Green thanked the Federal Government for its support, saying the minister’s leadership had been instrumental to bringing the forum to Nigeria.
“The world’s eyes are on Nigeria in November,” he said, expressing confidence that the country would exceed expectations.
With the global communications community watching, Abuja is set to become a platform for Nigeria to tell its story, shape the future of public relations and reinforce its place in the international arena.