Lagos NIPR Advocates Strategic PR for National Security

• Jul 13, 2026

The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called for the integration of strategic public relations into Nigeria's national security architecture, arguing that trust, transparency and effective communication are as critical to security as military capabilities.

The call was made at the grand finale of Lagos PR Fest 2026, held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, where communication professionals, security experts, policymakers, academics and corporate leaders gathered to examine the role of strategic communication in nation building.

The conference, which also marked the chapter's Annual General Meeting (AGM), concluded a week-long programme of professional, educational and networking activities held under the theme, "Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations."

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, said the Institute deliberately chose the theme to reposition communication as a fundamental pillar of national security and democratic governance.

He observed that security conversations in Nigeria have traditionally centred on weapons, personnel and operations while paying insufficient attention to public trust and communication.

"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.

According to Ayetutu, public relations should no longer be viewed as a support function but as a strategic tool for strengthening collaboration between institutions and citizens.

He noted that effective intelligence gathering depends largely on citizens' willingness to trust security agencies, while compliance with security directives is influenced by credible, transparent and consistent 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.

Delivering the keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, described strategic public relations as a critical driver of effective nation building and sustainable national security.

He said addressing today's complex security challenges requires collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communication professionals, the media and citizens, stressing that force alone cannot guarantee lasting security.

According to him, 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, expanding grassroots engagement for intelligence gathering, encouraging youth participation in security conversations, fostering national unity through inclusive messaging, and improving collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and the media during crises.

The Inspector-General also commended the Lagos NIPR chapter for convening what he described as a timely national conversation on strengthening trust between public institutions and citizens.

A panel discussion moderated by Channels Television anchor Ayo Makinde further explored the conference theme, with contributions from Professor Adedeji Oyenuga of Lagos State University, Lagos NIPR Vice Chairman Eniola Mayowa, Chief Executive Officer of The Onward Public Relations Basil Agboarumi, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh.

The panelists agreed that sustainable national security extends beyond law enforcement and requires continuous public engagement, ethical communication and institutional transparency. They stressed the need to rebuild public confidence through openness, accountability and consistent communication while leveraging strategic public relations to combat misinformation, encourage responsible media reporting and promote citizen participation.

They also advocated stronger collaboration among security agencies, communication professionals, academia, civil society and the private sector to enhance community-based intelligence, national cohesion and lasting peace.

Participants agreed that public relations professionals have an increasingly important role in shaping public understanding, managing crises, influencing positive behavioural change and strengthening the trust required for democratic governance and national development.

The conference marked the culmination of Lagos PR Fest 2026, a week-long programme that featured a mentorship webinar, facility tours, sporting activities, a Fellows' Luncheon, Members' Hangout, African Night, special Jumat and Thanksgiving services, and other initiatives aimed at promoting professional development and fellowship within the Institute.

The Lagos State Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to advancing strategic public relations as a catalyst for national development and called on governments, public institutions, businesses and citizens to embrace responsible communication as a shared responsibility in building a safer, stronger and more united Nigeria.