The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has accused unnamed foreign interests of orchestrating a sustained propaganda campaign aimed at misrepresenting Nigeria as a country where people are persecuted for their religious beliefs.
The minister stated this on Monday while unveiling preparations for the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) Abuja 2026, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
The forum, to be hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in partnership with the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, will bring together global leaders, scholars, and practitioners to deliberate on ethical communication and global information integrity.
Idris dismissed claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, stating that the allegations are despicable, single narratives propagated to weaken the nation’s unity and global image.
He said: “We must come to terms with existential reputational threats to our national brand, in which external purveyors of untruth are mischaracterising our nation as a destination for a so-called persecution of people based on their religious faiths.
“For the umpteenth time, I am emphatic that there’s no iota of truth in the claim of a Christian Genocide in Nigeria.”
He urged communication professionals, media practitioners, and public institutions to use the instruments of public relations, crafted in truths and facts, to vehemently reject such false portrayals of Nigeria.
According to the Minister, the event represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s leadership in promoting truth-driven and ethical communication on the global stage.
He said under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is emerging as the biggest, brightest, and boldest voice for ethical and responsible communication in Africa and beyond.
Idris stressed that communication lies at the heart of nation-building, adding that the Federal Government is repositioning it as a tool for unity, transparency, and accountability under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister also highlighted several government reforms, including the National Orientation Policy and the Open Government Communication Framework, aimed at restoring citizens’ confidence in governance and promoting truthful narratives
He noted that hosting the global event will reaffirm Nigeria’s position as Africa’s communication hub and a responsible partner in shaping global narratives for peace and progress.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, assured that the aviation sector would play a central role in ensuring the success of the global forum, especially as Nigeria’s entry points represent the first impression for international delegates.
Keyamo, who congratulated the NIPR for securing the hosting rights, said his ministry would ensure that participants arriving in Nigeria experience a welcoming and seamless airport environment.
He added that the ministry is setting up Very, Very Important Personality (VVIP) departments at all international airports to cater to distinguished guests, noting that aviation authorities will ramp up efforts through their protocol units to support the event fully.
President of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Federal Government for its support and expressed confidence that the 2026 forum would showcase Nigeria’s transformation to the world.
Neliaku said recent experiences at Nigerian airports and other public institutions reflect a visible improvement in service delivery and perception management, adding that such progress underscores the nation’s readiness to host a world-class event.
The NIPR boss, who applauded the commitment of the Minister of Information, described him as the jewel of the moment whose leadership has strengthened the credibility of Nigeria’s communication sector globally.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, also pledged the support of traditional institutions towards the successful hosting of the World Public Relations Forum.
He described communication as a vital tool for peacebuilding and urged practitioners to promote responsible speech that fosters unity, mutual respect, and trust among Nigerians.
