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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Federal Government says the country’s innovation ecosystem is gaining global attention and boosting its reputation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said this at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Summit with the theme, “Better Nigeria, Better Reputation”, was organised by the Nigerian Reputation Management Group (NRMG), an initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
According to Idris, the theme aligns directly with the findings of Reputation Perception Index report.
“The results may be sobering, but they are also useful. A reputation score of 35.2 per cent places Nigeria in a low-trust band and highlights a gap between our potential and global perception.
“This is not a verdict; it is a mirror. And responsible nations must have the courage to look into that mirror and act.
“It is important to note that much has changed since the data used for this report was first gathered about seven years ago.
“In the last two years, Nigeria has embarked on a new reform path under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“We are not where we used to be. While perception often lags behind reality, progress is being made, and it must be communicated clearly, consistently, and honestly.
“Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is also gaining global attention, with strong fintech players and growing confidence in our digital economy and boosting our reputation,” the minister said.
According to him, reputation is built when policy meets purpose and communication reflects truth.
Idris noted that the government alone could not build Nigeria’s reputation, adding that it requires partnership with professionals, institutions, the private sector, and citizens.
“Lately, Nigeria’s reputation has come under scrutiny due to misleading reports suggesting that we are a nation that is intolerant of religious freedom.
“We continue to ease that wrong perception in effective diplomatic ways, and also collaborate with international partners to improve our internal security, secure our nation from the atrocities of terror groups, and save the lives and property of our citizens.
“Redeeming Nigeria’s image is a national call to duty, involving all of us, requiring a collective denouncing of false narratives, and promoting our unity.
“Together, we must align our narratives with our progress, address our weaknesses honestly, and project Nigeria with confidence and clarity. Thank you for your commitment to this important national task,” Idris said.
He commended the NRMG, board and the leadership of NIPR under its President, Dr Ike Neliaku, for their vision, discipline, and persistence.
“I am proud of the NIPR and its partners for staying the course and aligning Nigeria with global best practices in reputation management.
“It is also significant that exactly one year ago, on Jan. 15, 2025, the Board of the NRMG was inaugurated under the leadership of Mr Yomi Badejo-Okunsanya.
“Within a single year, this team has delivered Nigeria’s first comprehensive Reputation Perception Index. That achievement deserves recognition,” Idris said.
He further stressed that the bold reforms initiated by the President in the area of fuel subsidy, education, democracy, political participation, freedom of the press, local government autonomy and many others have catapulted Nigeria to a higher level in terms of progress, development and reputation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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