The Federal Government has assured the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management of its full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Thursday, September 24, 2026, when he received the NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance, Professor Justin Green, on a courtesy visit in Abuja ahead of the forum.
Idris said Nigeria’s successful bid to host the WPRF demonstrated growing international confidence in the country’s capacity to convene major global institutions and discussions.
He said preparations were already underway and assured the organisers that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to facilitate the event.
According to the Minister, the forum would provide an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s capacity to host international events and engage with the global public relations and communication community.
The 2026 WPRF is scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 15 to 21 under the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.” It will be held alongside the 37th African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference. The official WPRF 2026 platform also confirms the November 15–21 dates.
Dr. Neliaku said Nigeria’s bid to host the forum began in 2024, when he approached Professor Green during the World Public Relations Forum in Bali, Indonesia, to express the country’s interest in hosting the 2026 edition.
He said the bid subsequently received government backing and was pursued through the NIPR, African Public Relations Association and Global Alliance.
Neliaku also disclosed plans for the Abuja Declaration, which he said would provide a framework for responsible communication and help shape the future direction of the public relations profession.
He further announced plans for the establishment of a University of Public Relations and Leadership in Nigeria. The NIPR has previously stated that the forum will include the unveiling of a University of Public Relations and Leadership in Abuja and Nasarawa State.
Professor Justin Green thanked the Minister and the Federal Government for their support, saying government backing had contributed to preparations for the forum.
Green said more than 3,000 delegates from 126 countries were expected to participate, describing the gathering as an opportunity for Nigeria to engage the international communication community.
The Federal Government’s commitment follows earlier assurances from the Presidency in August that it would support the hosting of WPRF 2026 in Abuja. The Presidency said at the time that approximately 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance were expected.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has also entered into partnerships with government-owned media organisations ahead of the event, including the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, to support coverage and broadcasting of the forum.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, officials of NIPR and APRA, the Nigerian Press Council, Nigerian Television Authority, members of the WPRF National Planning Committee and other stakeholders.
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