The Federal Government has accused unnamed foreign interests of orchestrating a sustained propaganda campaign aimed at portraying Nigeria as a country where people face persecution based on their religious beliefs.
Gatekeepers News reports that Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the allegation on Monday in Abuja during the unveiling of 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 collaboration with the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, will bring together global leaders, scholars, and practitioners to deliberate on ethical communication and information integrity.
‘No Truth in Christian Genocide Claim’ — Idris
Idris dismissed allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing them as false and malicious attempts to damage the nation’s unity and global standing.
“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,” he said.
“For the umpteenth time, I am emphatic that there’s no iota of truth in the claim of a Christian genocide in Nigeria.”
The Minister called on communication professionals, media practitioners, and public institutions to use truth-based public relations strategies to counter such narratives and promote accurate portrayals of Nigeria.
He described the WPRF 2026 as a defining moment for Nigeria’s leadership in promoting truth-driven, ethical communication globally.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is emerging as the biggest, brightest, and boldest voice for ethical and responsible communication in Africa and beyond,” Idris added.
He emphasized that communication is central to nation-building and that the government is repositioning it as a tool for unity, transparency, and accountability under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Idris also highlighted ongoing reforms such as the National Orientation Policy and the Open Government Communication Framework, which aim to rebuild citizens’ trust and strengthen truthful national narratives.
Nigeria to Showcase Global Leadership in Communication
The Minister said hosting the World Public Relations Forum would reaffirm Nigeria’s position as Africa’s communication hub and a reliable partner in promoting peace and progress through responsible communication.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, pledged that the aviation sector would play a central role in ensuring the success of the 2026 global event.
He assured that the ministry would provide a seamless and welcoming experience for international delegates, noting that new Very, Very Important Personality (VVIP) departments are being established at all international airports.
“Our airports are the first point of contact for visitors; we will ensure participants experience world-class hospitality and efficient service delivery,” Keyamo said.
NIPR, Traditional Leaders Pledge Support
President of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Federal Government for its backing and expressed confidence that the 2026 forum would project Nigeria’s transformation and communication excellence to the world.
He noted that visible improvements at airports and public institutions reflect better service delivery and perception management, underscoring Nigeria’s readiness to host a global event of this scale.
“The Minister of Information is the jewel of the moment whose leadership has strengthened the credibility of Nigeria’s communication sector globally,” Neliaku said.
Also speaking, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, pledged traditional institutions’ support for the successful hosting of the forum.
He described communication as a vital tool for peacebuilding, urging practitioners to promote responsible speech that fosters unity, mutual respect, and trust among Nigerians.
