Members of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have identified Public Relations as an indispensable component of national security, nation building and public trust.

They stated this at the recently concluded Lagos PR Fest 2026.

Themed, ‘Security, nation building and public trust: Fostering collective responsibility through strategic Public Relations,” Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Samuel Ayetutu, observed, “security is often discussed in terms of arms, personnel and operations. Rarely is it discussed in terms of communication, perception and trust. Yet trust is the foundation upon which every security effort ultimately stands or falls.”

Saying Public Relations is not a luxury in the fight against insecurity but necessity, he added, ‘where communication fails, even the best-resourced security efforts struggle to gain ground. Where communication is strategic and honest, trust follows; and cooperation follows trust.”

In his keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who was represented by Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), force criminal investigation department Annex, Alagbon Close Ikoyi Lagos, described strategic Public Relations as bedrock of effective nation building and sustainable national security.

He stressed that modern security challenges require collaboration between government institutions, the media, communication professionals and citizens, noting that security can no longer be achieved through force alone but through trust, transparency and shared responsibility.

He identified several priorities necessary for strengthening public trust, including, rebuilding institutional credibility through evidence-based communication; promoting transparency and accountability across public institutions; strengthening grassroots engagement for intelligence gathering; expanding youth participation in security conversations; promoting unified national messaging that transcends ethnic and religious divisions; and deepening collaboration among government institutions, security agencies and the media during crises.

The conference also featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by Channels TV anchor, Ayo Makinde.

Panellists include, Prof. of Criminology and Security Studies, Lagos State University Adedeji Oyenuga; Vice-chairman, Lagos NIPR Eniola Mayowa; Chief Executive Officer of The Onward Public Relations; Basil Agboarumi and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Tjani Fatai.

The panel moted that national security cannot be sustained solely through enforcement mechanisms but requires continuous public engagement, ethical communication and institutional transparency.

In conclusion, they advocated stronger partnerships among security agencies, communication professionals, civil society, academia and the private sector to foster community-based intelligence, national cohesion and sustainable peace.