The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to actively promote a positive image of the country by rejecting false narratives and clearly communicating the nation’s progress.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged citizens and communication professionals to represent Nigeria with confidence and clarity.
Idris highlighted the launch of Nigeria’s first National Reputation Perception Index by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) as a crucial tool for assessing how the country is perceived both domestically and internationally.
“The report is not a verdict on Nigeria. It is a mirror. And as a responsible nation, we must have the courage to look into that mirror and act,” the minister said.
While the index categorises Nigeria as a low-trust nation, Idris stressed that significant progress has been achieved under President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the past two years. He cited Nigeria’s 27 uninterrupted years of democracy, open political participation, and a relatively free media as evidence of democratic stability.
He also pointed to key governance and economic reforms, including local government autonomy, security improvements, fuel subsidy removal, and foreign exchange unification.
“Perception often lags behind reality, but real progress is being made, and it must be communicated clearly, consistently, and honestly,” Idris said.
“Difficult decisions were taken, but they were necessary. Today, inflation is easing, growth is stabilising, and foreign reserves are improving.”
The summit drew several notable dignitaries, including Babatunde Fashola, former Lagos State governor and Minister of Works and Housing; Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs; Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON); Jibrin Baba-Ndace, Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON); and Ike Neliaku, President of NIPR.
Idris concluded by urging all Nigerians to contribute to enhancing the country’s global image, emphasizing that clear, honest, and consistent communication is essential to shifting perceptions and reinforcing national progress.
