Abuja is set to become a global centre for public relations and strategic communication as Nigeria prepares to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) from 15 to 21 November.
About 3,000 delegates from 126 countries are expected to attend the week-long event, which organisers say will bring together communication professionals, policymakers and global leaders to address emerging challenges in responsible communication.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, described the forum as a “national project” that should extend beyond the professional body.
Addressing members of the diplomatic community in Abuja, Dr Neliaku urged diplomatic missions to mobilise government spokespersons, communication professionals, sponsors, exhibitors and delegates from their respective countries.
The forum is being organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and NIPR.
Dr Neliaku said the event would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to strengthen its global reputation, showcase its culture and potential, deepen diplomatic relationships and position Abuja as a centre for international dialogue on responsible communication.
He said the 2026 forum would be historic because, for the first time, it would feature a global solution-policy interface bringing together public relations professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders who advise governments, corporations and institutions on strategic communication.
The engagement is expected to produce the Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication, which organisers hope will help shape the global communication agenda for the next decade.
“Since Mexico ’78, when the World Public Relations Assembly was held in Mexico in 1978, there has never been anything close to what Nigeria is putting together,” Dr Neliaku said.
He said the 1978 Mexico gathering produced the Mexico Statement, which established an industry-wide definition of public relations, while the Abuja forum would revisit those principles in response to contemporary communication challenges.
The forum will feature participants from government, business, politics, academia, technology, security, faith, culture, civil society, entertainment and the diplomatic community.
The President of Nigeria will serve as Chief Host, while Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver the presidential keynote address. Representatives of the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO and Interpol are also expected to participate.
Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said the programme would include high-level dialogues, workshops, masterclasses, an African Ministers of Information Roundtable and a Global Youth Public Relations Summit.
Other activities include the World Public Relations Awards, exhibitions, an Experience Nigeria Zone and the launch of a Global Alliance publication on responsible communication.
A Nigeria Jollof Rice Festival, expected to feed 10,000 people, is also planned as part of the forum’s corporate social responsibility activities.
Organisers also plan to inaugurate what they describe as the world’s first University of Public Relations and Leadership.
Dr Haruna said the forum’s focus on responsible communication was particularly important amid the spread of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.
He said communication should promote “truth, trust, understanding, inclusion, and peace” rather than division.
Secretary-General of APRA, Dr Omonye Ibietan, said the association had supported Nigeria’s successful bid to host the forum and the 37th APRA Conference.
He said the gathering would showcase Nigeria’s progress in public relations while contributing to efforts to redefine responsible communication for the next decade.
Dr Ibietan also announced plans to launch an African Declaration on Public Relations and Professionalisation of Public Relations.
He said the rise of social media and what he described as “mass self-communication” had transformed the communication environment, making self-regulation and media literacy increasingly important.
NIPR Vice President and Chairman of the Continental Advisory Committee, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, meanwhile, unveiled the official WPRF Abuja 2026 theme song.
He said the song reflected Africa’s aspiration for dialogue, trust and responsible communication, adding that organisers had already embarked on a global and continental roadshow to promote participation.
“The future belongs to those who can listen, connect, and communicate with integrity,” Professor Dandaura said.
Formal events will be held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, with accommodation and transportation arrangements made for international participants.
