Nigeria is set to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), with delegates from more than 126 countries expected to participate in the international gathering scheduled for November 15 to 22.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday during a world press conference in Abuja, saying the Federal Government was fully prepared to host the event, with President Bola Tinubu serving as the chief host.
Idris described the forum as a major opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its international standing, showcase its capacity and contribute to conversations shaping the future of global communication.
He expressed appreciation to the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) for selecting Nigeria to host the global forum alongside the association’s continental conference.
According to the minister, Nigeria is the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to host the World Public Relations Forum.
The 2026 edition is themed, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
Idris said the growing influence of digital platforms, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies had created fresh challenges for the information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation and disinformation and the declining level of public trust.
He urged public relations practitioners to uphold truth, accuracy, transparency and professional ethics, stressing that their responsibilities should extend beyond promoting institutional interests and managing corporate reputations.
He said: “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.”
The minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s support for the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja.
He described the initiative as a strategic effort to equip Nigerians, particularly young people, with the necessary skills to identify misleading information and navigate the digital environment responsibly.
Idris further emphasised the need for government communication to be more responsive, insisting that effective communication should involve listening to citizens, addressing their concerns and providing credible information.
He maintained that government communication should not be limited to explaining policies and programmes but must also promote public engagement and strengthen confidence in public institutions.
The minister disclosed that his ministry was working with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and other relevant institutions to ensure adequate arrangements for security, protocol, logistics, hospitality and stakeholder engagement ahead of the event.
Earlier, the President of NIPR, Ike Neliaku, commended Idris for his support during Nigeria’s bid to host the international gathering.
Neliaku recalled that the minister had charged the organising team to secure the hosting rights, expressing appreciation for the contributions of government agencies and officials involved in the preparations.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of APRA, Omoniyi P. Ibietan, described Nigeria’s hosting of the World Public Relations Forum alongside the 37th APRA Conference as a significant opportunity for Africa to strengthen its collective voice in global communication.
He said the gathering would provide an avenue for African professionals to collaborate and influence international conversations on responsible communication.
Similarly, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Justin Green, said representatives of more than 126 countries were expected at the forum.
He added that representatives of international organisations, including the United Nations, World Bank, African Union and European Commission, would also participate.
Green commended President Tinubu and Minister Idris for their support, noting that the minister’s commitment played a significant role in bringing the event to Nigeria.
He said the forum would further strengthen Nigeria’s international partnerships and provide opportunities for professional collaboration across different regions.