The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a degree-awarding academy for public relations in Nigeria. The agreement was formalized by Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, Minister of Information and National Orientation.
In addition to this development, the Minister celebrated the recent election of Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan as the Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA). Highlighting a significant milestone, the Minister announced that Public Relations (PR) has been designated as a cadre in the Federal Civil Service, effective December 2023. Consequently, the Information Officer Cadre has been re-designated as the ‘Information and Public Relations Officer Cadre,’ and the Executive Cadre as the ‘Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations).’ This achievement, driven by the NIPR, marks a pivotal moment for PR professionals in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s leadership in public relations extends beyond its borders. The Minister acknowledged Nigeria’s pioneering role in professionalizing PR in Africa, noting that it was the first country on the continent to enact a law for this purpose. Zambia followed suit last year, and Kenya is currently progressing towards similar legislation.
Mr. Arik Karani, President of the African Public Relations Association, praised Nigeria’s contributions to the field during a recent meeting with the Minister. He emphasized the country’s longstanding commitment to professionalizing PR and its influence on other African nations.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to fostering an enabling environment for Nigeria’s communications industry to thrive, ensuring continued progress and innovation in public relations across the region.
