NASC Backs NIPR for Successful Hosting of World Public Relations Forum in Abuja

The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in ensuring the successful hosting of the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled to take place in Abuja this November.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, E.

N. Anyigor.
The World Public Relations Forum, organised under the auspices of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, is an internationally acclaimed platform that brings together public relations professionals, communication strategists, policymakers, academics, and business leaders from across the globe to deliberate on emerging trends, ethical standards, innovation, and the future of strategic communication.
Nigeria recently secured the hosting rights for the 3-in-1 global event, which will be held in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
On Monday, the Acting President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, led members of the National Planning Committee of the WPRF on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of NASC, Chief Saviour Enyiekere. The visit was aimed at sensitising the Commission and soliciting its collaboration toward the successful hosting of the Forum.
In his remarks, Chief Enyiekere reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to partner with the Institute to ensure that the event is not only successful but memorable. He observed that the initiative would boost Nigeria’s global image and strengthen institutional communication capacity.
The NASC Chairman stressed that hosting the Forum aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of promoting transparency, effective governance, and global engagement. He expressed satisfaction that the Institute would be bringing participants from about 150 countries to Nigeria at a time when some foreigners perceive the country as insecure.
“It is a great job that you have done. It is a great feat to bring the world to Nigeria at this period that many foreigners are afraid of coming here because of fear of insecurity,” he stated.
Earlier, Prof. Dandaura noted that the World Public Relations Forum would serve as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s professional expertise, cultural heritage, and high standards in public relations practice to the international community.
He highlighted that hosting the Forum in Abuja would:
Position Nigeria as a leading hub for strategic communication in Africa;
Stimulate growth in tourism, hospitality, and allied sectors;
Strengthen international collaboration and attract investment opportunities; and
Promote ethical standards and innovation within the public relations profession.
According to the NIPR leadership, as the statutory regulatory body for public relations practice in Nigeria, the Institute requires government support to effectively regulate the communications profession and project a positive image of the country.
The Institute therefore urged the Commission to comply with NIPR regulations that prohibit non-professionals from serving as spokespersons or protocol officers in any organisation without the requisite qualifications and registration with the Institute.
Additionally, NIPR encouraged the Commission to enrol its public relations personnel in the various professional training and capacity-building programmes organised by the Institute to enhance their competence and performance.
Prof. Dandaura further appealed to the Commission to consistently sponsor its PR officers to participate actively in NIPR programmes, activities, and training sessions to sharpen their skills and improve productivity. He also invited the Executive Chairman to take part in the Institute’s session focused on the legislature.
The visit was facilitated by the WPRF-NIPR Legislature Team in collaboration with the NASC Department of Public Affairs.