The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening strategic global partnerships aimed at countering false and negative narratives targeted at undermining Nigeria’s image.
Speaking on Saturday in London, United Kingdom, at the UK edition of the Renewed Hope Global Dialogue with the theme “Strengthening Global Partnerships for Economic Renewal and National Rebranding under the Renewed Hope Administration,” the Minister emphasized that collaboration and partnership are key to Nigeria’s rebranding efforts on the global stage.
He noted that one of the major reputational challenges confronting the country is the spread of false narratives alleging state-sponsored religious discrimination.
“We have been very robust in our rebuttals, making it clear that these are despicable narratives being pushed by people who know nothing about Nigeria,” Idris said. “We need international friends and partners who understand our country and can help project an accurate and credible image of Nigeria.”
The Minister highlighted the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s role in driving national rebranding efforts in collaboration with key institutions.
He revealed that the Ministry, in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has established the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG)—an initiative designed to promote national pride and strengthen Nigeria’s global reputation.
According to him, the NRMG recently launched the Nigeria Global Reputation Management Project, managed by top branding professionals, with more initiatives expected to follow in the coming months.
Idris also announced that the Federal Government has designated October 15 every year as Nigeria Reputation Day, to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of national image and integrity.
In addition, Nigeria is set to host both the 2026 African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference and the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja—making it the first African nation to host the two global events in the same year.
Highlighting recent diplomatic and economic strides, Idris said President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy vision—encapsulated in the Tinubu Doctrine anchored on the 4Ds: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—is already delivering results.
He cited Nigeria’s recent admission as a BRICS partner country, the election of a Nigerian as Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), and the emergence of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.
The Minister further announced Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, describing it as proof of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to financial transparency and strong anti-money laundering frameworks.
Domestically, Idris said President Tinubu’s reforms are yielding significant impact through initiatives such as the unified exchange rate regime, student loans program (benefiting over 500,000 students), new national minimum wage, consumer credit scheme, Presidential CNG Initiative, four new Tax Acts, five Regional Development Commissions, and the creation of a Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria is reclaiming its rightful place in the global community under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“We are a listening and engaging government. We invite our international partners to witness the remarkable progress taking place in Nigeria and to collaborate with us in advancing this transformation,” the Minister stated.
— Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation
