Abuja is set to become the global centre of public relations and strategic communication in November as Nigeria hosts the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), expected to attract about 3,000 delegates from 126 countries.
The week-long international gathering, organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026.
The main programme is scheduled for November 16 to 21, while November 15 will feature a Golf and Polo Tournament.
The forum is themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to officially declare the forum open, while Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, will deliver the keynote address.
National Importance
Organisers have described the forum as more than a professional gathering, stressing that it is being positioned as a major national project with the involvement of key government institutions responsible for foreign affairs, information, culture, security and aviation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who represented the Federal Government at the official unveiling, described communication as the “bedrock of mutual understanding” and an important instrument of economic diplomacy.
He also assured international participants of efforts to facilitate seamless visa processing through Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad.
Other government officials associated with the preparations include the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, said Nigeria was determined to deliver what he described as the “biggest, brightest and boldest” edition of the WPRF.
Focus on Responsible Communication
The forum will examine the changing communication landscape, particularly the growing influence of artificial intelligence, misinformation, digital technology, robotics, sustainability and cultural diversity.
One of the major expected outcomes is the Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication, a proposed global framework aimed at promoting ethical and responsible communication, with discussions around its potential contribution to a future Sustainable Development Goal 18.
Regional and international institutions, including the European Union, African Union, ASEAN, League of Arab States and African Development Bank, are expected to participate.
A special governors’ panel will also examine how sub-national governments can deploy strategic communication to strengthen public trust and accelerate development.
Youth and Inclusion
The organisers have also incorporated youth participation and disability inclusion into the programme.
A dedicated category will cater for young professionals aged 35 and below, while persons with disabilities will receive a 50 per cent registration discount.
The forum will further spotlight the proposed University of Public Relations and Leadership (UPRL) in Gudi, Nasarawa State, which is being designed to develop strategic communication professionals and advisers for government and the private sector.
Media and Cultural Showcase
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) will serve as the official host broadcaster, while the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) will provide host radio services. Voice of Nigeria (VON) will extend coverage to international and diaspora audiences.
Beyond the professional sessions, delegates are expected to experience Nigeria’s cultural diversity through events including a World Cultural Parade, African Culture Splash and Nigerian cuisine showcases.
The organisers have adopted “No Wahala” as part of the country’s hospitality message to international visitors.
Opportunity and Responsibility
With delegates expected from 126 countries, the WPRF presents Nigeria with an opportunity to strengthen its global image, promote investment and tourism, and deepen international partnerships.
However, the success of the event will depend on more than the number of participants. Infrastructure, security, transportation, hospitality and the ability to convert the relationships established during the forum into lasting partnerships will be critical measures of its impact.
As Abuja prepares to welcome presidents, ministers, diplomats, communication experts and young professionals from around the world, the forum is expected to place Nigeria at the centre of global conversations on how communication can build trust and accountability in an increasingly digital and misinformation-driven world.
