By Ebi Kesiena
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has joined forces with its partners to launch the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), an initiative aimed at reshaping the global perception of Nigeria.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Abuja on Tuesday, marked a significant step in promoting a positive national image both locally and internationally.
At the launch, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted the importance of reputation as a national asset.
He urged Nigerians to redefine their identity in order to foster a stronger national brand that can compete on the global stage.
“Nigeria’s most valuable asset is its reputation, a strong national brand can attract talent, tourists, and investors, which in turn enhances the country’s potential for development. However, a weak reputation discourages these opportunities. We must therefore take our national brand very seriously, starting with a candid assessment of our strengths and weaknesses. Yes, we face challenges, but we also have considerable untapped potential,” he said.
He added that a positive global image could only be achieved if efforts began at home, stressing the need for an authentic and deliberate rebranding strategy.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, further emphasized the role of communication in managing Nigeria’s reputation. In today’s interconnected world, he noted, a country’s image is shaped not only by its actions but by how those actions are perceived globally.
“We must take a proactive approach to reputation management,” Tuggar said. “This begins with effective communication. We must tell our own story before others do, ensuring that it’s both honest and aspirational. National reputation is not about covering up challenges; it’s about framing those challenges within a broader narrative of progress and resilience.”
Tuggar called on the Nigerian government to listen to, and act upon the needs of its citizens, as the perception of a country is closely linked to the reality of life within it. “No amount of communication can compensate for a government’s failure to meet the basic needs of its people,” he added.
John Momoh, Chairman of Channels TV, took the opportunity to remind Nigerians that the responsibility of building a positive national reputation lies not just with the government but also with its citizens. He called for ethical leadership and a renewed focus on national values.
“A good reputation is not built through slogans but through action specifically, by putting the people first,” Momoh stressed. “It is only when the people are aligned with the vision of the country that progress can be made.”
Momoh challenged politicians and leaders to view their mandates as a “sacred trust” rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment. He emphasized that ethical leadership should become the norm, not the exception.
“We must leave here today with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility,” he said. “The task ahead is not just about managing perceptions; it’s about laying the foundation for a future built on integrity, accountability, and shared prosperity.”
Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, spoke about the strategic nature of reputation management.
He explained that reputation, whether for a nation, organization, or individual, is an invaluable asset that requires careful design, planning, and sustained effort.
“Reputation is not easily attained; it comes through hard work, foresight, and skillful planning,” Neliaku said. “The image of Nigeria needs deliberate attention. We must nurture our national reputation with the right character and manage it as a valuable asset.”
Neliaku also acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces, but expressed optimism that with the right approach, the NRMG could help change the narrative surrounding Nigeria’s global image.
The Nigeria Reputation Management Group, NRMG is poised to play a critical role in promoting Nigeria’s core values and principles. Its mission is to project a positive national reputation by focusing on strategic communication, ethical leadership, and addressing the country’s challenges within a narrative of resilience and progress.
The NRMG’s launch signals a fresh commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s story is told by Nigerians themselves, highlighting the nation’s potential while addressing its shortcomings. With this initiative, the NIPR and its partners hope to foster a new era of national pride and global respect for Nigeria.
