Nigeria’s International Narrative at Risk!
The President of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, didn’t hold back his disappointment. He slammed the Federal Government’s recent talks with the U.S. Congress about alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria. The big issue? No communication experts were part of the team that went to Washington.
Dr. Neliaku, speaking at an event where 448 new members were inducted into the NIPR, warned that Nigeria could be losing its grip on its own story abroad. “I don’t think the government sometimes understands what the issues are,” he stated, questioning the logic of sending a delegation without a single communication specialist.
Who Was There and Who Was Missed?
In November, a Nigerian delegation, reportedly led by Ribadu, met with U.S. Congressman Riley Moore. The focus was on serious allegations of escalating Christian killings and terrorism in Nigeria. The congressman described the meeting as productive. The team that attended included heavy hitters like:
- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu
- Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi
- Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede
- Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. E. Undiendeye
- Senior officials from the Office of the NSA and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington
- Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
But conspicuously absent? Any communication professionals. “How can you raise a team to engage with U.S. authorities without a communication person in the mix? You only selected security people,” Neliaku pointed out.
It’s All About the Story, Not Just Security
Dr. Neliaku emphasized that while security issues might spark the conversation, the real battle is in managing perception and the narrative. “Yes, what triggered it is security, but you must understand that this is about narrative, reputation, and communication.” He stressed that even with top-notch security expertise, failing to communicate it effectively means the message gets lost.
The Missing Spokesperson
The NIPR President specifically called out the absence of the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed. “Where is the Minister of Information? Idris Mohammed is supposed to be Nigeria’s spokesperson on matters like this. He was not there.” This, he argued, left Nigerians hearing about the events from an “American perspective,” not Nigeria’s own.
Why Communication Professionals Matter
Neliaku urged the government to make communication experts a priority in all future international dealings. He believes that marketing policies and national messages should be treated as a critical national duty. “Communication professionals should be put first because they are trained to do this properly.”
Facts Over Spin
When addressing serious allegations like genocide or religious persecution, Neliaku insisted that Nigeria needs to use verifiable data, not just denials. “We must engage diplomatically and persuasively with facts and data. We should not manoeuvre our way around issues. We must face them head-on and be honest about the challenges and what we are doing to address them.”
The New Media Landscape
In today’s world, with smartphones and social media, controlling information is nearly impossible. Citizens are creating and sharing evidence in real-time. Dr. Neliaku highlighted that rebuilding trust, fostering ethical communication, and bridging the gap between the government and its people are essential for sustainable development.
He cautioned that Nigeria is at a crucial crossroads. Ignoring misinformation or allowing fragmented national narratives to persist could harm the country’s unity and derail ongoing reforms.
A Calling to Serve
To the 448 newly inducted members, Neliaku declared their induction not just a ceremony, but a sacred commitment to serve Nigeria through responsible communication. He reiterated that strong public relations is key to national success, just as much as a robust economy or a powerful military. It’s about the credibility of a nation’s story and the confidence it inspires, both at home and abroad.
PR vs. Propaganda
Neliaku also warned against misusing the PR practice for mere propaganda. He emphasized the need for ethical influence and strategic communication to manage public expectations and unite citizens behind national objectives. Nigeria needs clear, honest communication to thrive.
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