By Mercy Peter
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to jointly take responsibility for building, protecting, and projecting Nigeria’s image through truthful communication, ethical conduct, and measurable national progress.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Tuesday at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, where Nigeria’s first-ever National Reputation Perception Index was formally unveiled.
Describing the index as a landmark initiative, the Minister said the report provides a critical framework for understanding how Nigeria is perceived both at home and abroad. He stressed that the document should not be viewed as a final judgement on the country, but rather as a tool for self-assessment 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,” Idris stated.
He commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Nigerian Reputation Management Group, and their leadership for producing the index after several years of extensive research, noting that reputation building is a long-term national project that demands discipline, consistency, and collective ownership.
The Minister said this does not fully capture recent gains recorded under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, although global perception often lags behind reality, tangible progress has been made in governance and economic reforms over the past two years.
“We are not where we used to be. Perception may trail reality, but real progress is being made, and it must be communicated clearly, consistently, and honestly,” he said.
Idris highlighted Nigeria’s democratic credentials, pointing out that the country has sustained 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, with expanded political participation and one of the most vibrant and free media landscapes in the world.
“These are not small achievements. They speak directly to leadership, credibility, and trust, which are at the heart of any national reputation,” he added.
On governance and economic reforms, the Minister outlined measures undertaken by the Federal Government, including efforts to strengthen local government autonomy, enhance security through community-driven strategies, and restore fiscal discipline. He cited the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system as difficult but necessary decisions aimed at stabilising the economy.
According to him, key macroeconomic indicators are beginning to show improvement, with easing inflation, stabilising growth, and better foreign reserve positions.
The Minister further noted ongoing investments in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture, alongside youth-centred initiatives, including the student loan scheme and venture funding programmes designed to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship.
Idris rejected such portrayals, describing them as inconsistent with the country’s realities and values.
“Nigeria is not a nation of intolerance. We are actively correcting false narratives through diplomacy, strengthened security measures, and continuous engagement with our international partners,” he said.
Emphasising that government action alone cannot define national reputation, the Minister called for active participation by citizens, institutions, professionals, and the private sector.
“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 stressed.
He urged communication professionals in particular, as well as the broader public, to promote national unity, reject disinformation, and project Nigeria with confidence, integrity, and clarity.
