The Federal Government has called on Nigerians across all sectors to take shared responsibility for strengthening and protecting the country’s global reputation through credible actions, honest communication, and visible national progress.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, made the call on Tuesday at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 held in Abuja, where Nigeria’s first-ever National Reputation Perception Index was unveiled by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
According to a press statement signed by the Minister’s Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris described the index as a critical tool for understanding how Nigeria is viewed locally and internationally. He stressed that the report should not be seen as a condemnation of the country but as an opportunity for reflection and reform.
“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.
He commended the NIPR, the Nigerian Reputation Management Group, and their leadership for producing the index after years of extensive research, noting that building a strong national reputation is a long-term effort that demands discipline, consistency, and collective commitment.
While acknowledging that the report places Nigeria in a low-trust category, Idris said the Tinubu administration has recorded measurable progress in the last two years. According to him, perception often lags behind reality, but tangible reforms and improvements are already underway.
“We are not where we used to be. Real progress is being made, and it must be communicated clearly, consistently, and honestly,” he said.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s democratic credentials, noting that the country has enjoyed 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, open political participation, and one of the freest media environments globally. He said these achievements directly reinforce leadership credibility and national trust.
On governance and the economy, Idris pointed to key reforms such as efforts to strengthen local government autonomy, improved security through community-based initiatives, and fiscal discipline achieved through the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system.
“Difficult decisions were taken, but they were necessary. Today, inflation is easing, growth is stabilising, and our foreign reserves are improving,” he said.
He also cited ongoing investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and youth-centred programmes, including student loan schemes and venture funding for young entrepreneurs, as evidence of a government focused on inclusive development.
Addressing negative international narratives, particularly allegations of religious intolerance, the Minister dismissed such claims as unrepresentative of Nigeria’s true character. He said the government is actively countering misinformation through diplomacy, enhanced security measures, and sustained engagement with global partners.
“Nigeria is not a nation of intolerance. We are correcting false narratives through deliberate action and engagement,” he said.
Idris emphasised that shaping Nigeria’s reputation is not the sole responsibility of government, stressing that national image is built through consistent actions rather than slogans.
“Reputation is earned through action, not slogans. It is built when policy meets purpose and when communication reflects truth. This is a national task, and every Nigerian has a role to play,” he said.
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He urged communication professionals, institutions, and citizens to promote unity, reject misinformation, and project Nigeria with confidence and clarity.
The summit was attended by prominent stakeholders, including former Minister of Works and Housing and former Lagos State Governor, Chief Babatunde Raji Fashola, who delivered the keynote address; former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen; Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr Olalekan Fadolapo; Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba-Ndace; and President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, among other dignitaries.
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