……NIPR seeks stronger partnership with Police on strategic communication, security and public trust as Nigeria prepares to host global communications professionals
The President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, FNIPR, on Tuesday led a delegation of the institute on a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, at the IGP’s Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The visit focused on strengthening collaboration between the NIPR and the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in the areas of strategic communication, police-public relations, public trust and security, as Nigeria prepares to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Abuja.
Neliaku, while addressing the IGP, stressed the importance of public relations in effective policing, saying building trust between the police and members of the public was critical to the success of law enforcement. He said communication remained an important tool for helping Nigerians understand the work of the police and for strengthening relationships between security personnel and the communities they serve.
The NIPR chairman also called for greater attention to the training and education of police public relations officers, noting that personnel saddled with communicating the activities of the Force must be professionally equipped. He said the conduct of every police officer could influence the public image of the Nigeria Police Force, making professionalism, communication and responsible engagement essential.
Neliaku, who spoke about his longstanding relationship with the police, recalled his experiences with the Force several decades ago, including the support, guidance and training he received from police personnel. He said those experiences contributed to his appreciation of the institution and strengthened his belief that the police remained an important stakeholder in national development and public safety.
He also used the occasion to brief the IGP on Nigeria’s preparations to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum from November 15 to 21 in Abuja. Neliaku said Nigeria secured the hosting rights following a competitive process involving the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and disclosed that about 2,000 delegates from different parts of the world are expected to attend the event.
According to him, the forum will be held alongside the 37th conference of the African Public Relations Association, bringing together public relations and communication professionals, including individuals who advise governments, presidents, major corporations and investors.
Neliaku said several activities had been planned to give the international delegates an opportunity to experience Nigeria beyond the narratives often presented about the country. He listed diplomatic engagements, Africa Day activities, cultural exhibitions, a Jollof and Laka Festival and other professional programmes among the activities scheduled for the week-long event.
He also disclosed plans for a university dedicated to public relations and leadership, saying the initiative had received support from the Nasarawa State Government, which provided 100 hectares of land for the project. Neliaku said the various initiatives were designed to showcase Nigeria’s professional capacity, culture, hospitality and potential to the international community.
The NIPR chairman consequently sought the support of the Nigeria Police Force in providing security and strategic communication assistance for the international gathering. He appealed to the IGP to facilitate the participation of police personnel with responsibilities in strategic communication, intelligence, public affairs and security communication in the event.
Responding, IGP Disu emphasised the importance of public trust to effective policing, declaring that “without building trust, policing fails.” He said police officers work under difficult conditions to protect lives and property and maintain security, stressing that their efforts should be properly communicated to Nigerians.
Disu further noted that the actions of individual police officers could affect the public perception of the entire Force and urged personnel to maintain professionalism in their interactions with citizens. He welcomed stronger collaboration with the NIPR, particularly in the areas of professional communication, public engagement, training and efforts to strengthen confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
