Strategic public relations essential for security, national development, says Lagos NIPR

Chinedum Ukaegbu

Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called for the recognition of strategic public relations as an indispensable pillar of national security, nation building and public trust, urging governments, security agencies, corporate organisations and citizens to embrace responsible communication as a shared responsibility for building a safer and more united Nigeria.

According to the Public Relations Officer, NIPR, Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Oguchukwu Okeke, the call was made at the grand finale of the Lagos PR Fest 2026 and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institute, held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, after a week-long festival of professional, educational, sporting and networking activities.

The conference, held under the theme, “Security, nation building and public trust: Fostering collective responsibility through strategic public relations,” attracted communication professionals, security experts, academics, policymakers, corporate leaders and members of the public relations community.

Declaring the conference open, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, said the Institute deliberately chose the theme to reposition communication as a central pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to him, conversations around national security have traditionally centred on military strength, equipment and operational capacity while paying insufficient attention to communication, public perception and trust.

He stressed that trust remains the foundation upon which every successful security initiative depends.

“Security is often discussed in terms of arms, personnel and operations. Rarely is it discussed in terms of communication, perception and trust. Yet trust is the foundation upon which every security effort ultimately stands or falls,” he said.

Dr. Ayetutu maintained that public relations should no longer be viewed as merely supportive to security operations but as a strategic operational tool capable of strengthening confidence between public institutions and citizens.

He noted that intelligence gathering relies heavily on citizens who trust security agencies enough to volunteer credible information, while compliance with security directives depends largely on transparent, consistent and strategic communication.

“Public relations is not a luxury in the fight against insecurity. It is a necessity. Where communication fails, even the best-resourced security efforts struggle to gain ground. Where communication is strategic and honest, trust follows; and cooperation follows trust,” he added.

The chapter chairman also commended members of the planning committee, conference speakers, partners and members of the Institute for their commitment towards making PR Fest 2026 a resounding success.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, described strategic public relations as the bedrock of effective nation-building and sustainable national security.

He observed that contemporary security challenges require greater collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communication professionals, the media and citizens, noting that security can no longer be achieved through force alone but through trust, transparency and shared responsibility.

According to the Inspector-General’s representative, strategic public relations replaces one-way institutional communication with transparent two-way engagement that builds public confidence and transforms citizens into active partners in safeguarding national security.

He identified key priorities for strengthening public trust, including rebuilding institutional credibility through evidence-based communication, promoting transparency and accountability across public institutions, strengthening grassroots engagement for intelligence gathering, expanding youth participation in security conversations, promoting unified national messaging that transcends ethnic and religious divisions and deepening collaboration among government institutions, security agencies and the media during periods of crisis.

He also commended the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR for convening what he described as a timely national conversation capable of strengthening trust between institutions and the public.

A panel discussion moderated by Channels Television anchor, Mr. Ayo Makinde, further examined the conference theme.

Panelists included Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga of Lagos State University, Vice Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Eniola Mayowa, Chief Executive Officer of The Onward Public Relations, Basil Agboarumi and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tjani Fatai.

The panelists unanimously agreed that national security cannot be sustained through enforcement mechanisms alone but requires continuous public engagement, ethical communication and institutional transparency.

They emphasised the need to rebuild public confidence in state institutions through openness, accountability and consistency, while highlighting the importance of strategic communication in combating misinformation, encouraging citizen participation and promoting responsible media reporting.

The discussants also advocated stronger collaboration among security agencies, communication professionals, academia, civil society organisations and the private sector to promote community-based intelligence, national cohesion and sustainable peace.

Participants agreed that public relations practitioners have an increasingly vital responsibility in shaping public understanding, managing crises, influencing positive behavioural change and building the trust required for democratic governance.

The conference marked the climax of a week-long PR Fest programme featuring a special Jumat service, members’ hangout and African Night, sporting activities, a thanksgiving service, Fellows’ Luncheon, mentorship webinar, facility tours and other professional engagements designed to promote learning, fellowship and excellence within the profession.

At the close of the event, the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR reaffirmed its commitment to advancing strategic public relations as a catalyst for national development and urged stakeholders across the public and private sectors to embrace responsible communication as an essential ingredient for national unity, security and sustainable development.