The commitment was announced during a meeting at the BPP headquarters in Abuja, where NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, led a delegation of the professional body to meet with the Bureau’s Director-General, Dr Adebowale Adedokun. Both organisations highlighted the importance of strategic communication in building public trust, improving awareness of government initiatives and strengthening relationships between public institutions and the citizens they serve.

Adedokun commended the NIPR for its efforts to improve Nigeria’s reputation and stressed that effective communication is an important part of national development. He called on the Institute to support the development of a communication framework that would make the BPP’s responsibilities, policies and activities easier for the public to understand.

The BPP director-general said professional public relations expertise could help bridge communication gaps between the Bureau and Nigerians, particularly stakeholders who interact with the public procurement system.

Public procurement covers the processes through which government institutions acquire goods, works and services using public funds. Clear communication about these processes can help citizens understand how procurement decisions are made, the responsibilities of relevant institutions and the importance of transparency and accountability.

A stronger communication strategy could also help the Bureau explain its initiatives, respond to public concerns and provide more accessible information about procurement policies and reforms.

In his remarks, Neliaku praised Adedokun and the BPP management for the changes recorded within the organisation and assured the Bureau of the Institute’s willingness to provide professional support.

He said the NIPR was prepared to apply its knowledge of public relations and strategic communication to help the Bureau engage more effectively with citizens and other stakeholders.

The proposed collaboration reflects the growing importance of communication in public sector administration. Beyond issuing statements and announcements, effective public relations involves understanding citizens’ information needs, explaining government decisions clearly and maintaining constructive engagement with different groups.

The two organisations did not announce a specific implementation timetable or detailed programme of activities, but both expressed willingness to explore areas of cooperation that could improve public awareness and institutional communication.

NIPR Seeks BPP Support for World Public Relations Forum

During the meeting, Neliaku also informed the BPP leadership about Nigeria’s preparations to host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja in November 2026.

The international gathering is expected to attract about 3,000 delegates from 126 countries, bringing together public relations practitioners, communication specialists, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss developments in the profession.

Official event information lists the forum for November 15–21, 2026, in Abuja, under the theme, “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”

Neliaku called on the Bureau to support the successful hosting of the event, which is expected to provide a platform for international exchange on strategic communication, professional standards and the role of public relations in building trust and strengthening institutions.

Nigeria’s hosting of the forum also presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s public relations industry and professional expertise to an international audience.

The proposed engagement between the NIPR and BPP therefore extends beyond their immediate institutional responsibilities, offering an opportunity to explore cooperation in public communication while supporting preparations for a major international professional gathering.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia