By Abdul Lauya
In what is shaping up to be a landmark year for public relations and strategic communication in Africa, Nigeria is set to play host to not just the continent, but the world.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has been officially handed the mantle to host the African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference in 2026, just months before it welcomes global delegates for the World Public Relations Forum, also scheduled for later that year.
The handover took place at the APRA 2025 Conference in Kenya, where Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, Majority Leader of Kenya’s National Assembly, transferred the hosting rights to Nigeria.
Receiving the banner on behalf of NIPR was Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Orientation Agency (NOA), in a moment that sealed Nigeria’s dual role as a continental and global stage for public relations in 2026.
APRA, founded in 1975, has grown into Africa’s foremost body for PR professionals, with over 30 countries represented under its umbrella. It promotes ethical practice, knowledge sharing, and continental cooperation in storytelling and reputation management.
The annual APRA Conference is a high-level gathering of communication professionals, policymakers, media executives, and scholars, aimed at shaping narratives that reflect Africa’s progress and challenges.
NIPR, the statutory regulatory body for PR in Nigeria, has long been an influential voice in shaping the country’s public discourse.
Established by law in 1990, it has championed professionalism, national reorientation, and global engagement, emerging as a key actor in Nigeria’s diplomatic and image-building machinery.
Hosting both APRA and the World Public Relations Forum in 2026 positions Nigeria as a communications capital for Africa and beyond. It is a timely opportunity for the country to reframe its global image, attract investment, and promote its cultural and intellectual capital.
For practitioners, it means direct access to global best practices, partnerships, and innovation hubs in the industry.
Beyond the professional and economic benefits, this dual hosting underlines Nigeria’s growing capacity to convene the world and shape meaningful conversations on governance, development, and reputation.
As the NIPR prepares to welcome Africa and the world in 2026, it carries the responsibility not just of hosting, but of leading.
