The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that Nigeria’s battered global image should not be seen as a final judgment but rather as a reflection that demands urgent corrective action.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 in Abuja, Idris stressed that the country must act deliberately to reclaim and project its successes instead of allowing critics to dominate the narrative.
He made the remarks while responding to the newly launched National Reputation Perception Index, which ranked Nigeria at 35.2 per cent within the global low-trust category. According to the minister, such assessments should inspire reform, transparency and shared responsibility rather than discouragement.
Idris described national reputation as a critical strategic asset that must be intentionally built and protected. He argued that Nigeria must take control of its story rather than permit external voices to define it.
While acknowledging the country’s challenges, including insecurity and economic strain, the minister said Nigeria had achieved measurable progress that often went unnoticed internationally. He pointed to improvements in foreign reserves, easing inflation, stabilising economic growth and renewed investor confidence as developments deserving stronger global attention.
He also cited Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as a major milestone that was insufficiently celebrated, noting that despite frequent criticism, many of the same countries continued to engage Nigeria actively for business.
As further evidence, Idris recalled that the United States, which had previously expressed concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria, made its largest-ever healthcare investment in the country in December.
According to him, these realities frequently contradict negative portrayals of Nigeria, urging citizens to remain cautious of narratives that undermine the nation.
He warned against glorifying criminality, calling instead for recognition of security personnel who risk their lives daily to protect the country. Idris said safeguarding Nigeria’s image was not optional but a constitutional responsibility of every citizen.
The minister also commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for developing the country’s first comprehensive Reputation Perception Index, describing it as the result of more than seven years of research and a foundation for data-driven reputation management.
Highlighting reforms under President Bola Tinubu, Idris listed fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, tax reforms, expanded primary healthcare with new oncology centres, infrastructure development, and improved access to education through student loans and venture capital grants.
He emphasised that rebuilding Nigeria’s image could not be achieved by government alone, stressing the need for collaboration among professionals, institutions, the private sector and citizens.
“Reputation is earned through actions, not slogans. Policies must align with purpose, and communication must reflect truth,” he said.
Earlier, former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works, Housing and Power, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, called for structured and continuous training for Nigeria’s ambassador-designates before their deployment.
He warned that poorly prepared envoys weakened the country’s diplomatic and reputational standing and urged Idris to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to institutionalise such training.
Fashola said ambassadors must be equipped with practical, up-to-date knowledge of Nigeria’s economy, governance system and investment climate, including basic information such as how long it takes to register a business.
According to him, ambassadors should focus on attracting investors to visit Nigeria rather than relying on foreign roadshows led by government officials.
He also advocated the strategic use of global meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) to promote tourism, investment and economic growth, adding that hosting international events, sports competitions and cultural concerts would help dispel misconceptions about the country.
Fashola identified law and order as Nigeria’s most critical reputational asset, stressing that investors prioritise predictability, respect for rules and contract enforcement.
He noted that national reputation is shaped by everyday behaviour, from obeying traffic rules to honouring time commitments, and cautioned against confusing criticism of government policies with hostility toward the country itself.
“We must criticise governments without damaging Nigeria. Governments will change, but the country will outlive us all,” he said.
Also speaking, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, announced that the institute had been ranked the world’s leading public relations association by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, surpassing counterparts in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Neliaku said the recognition reflected years of institutional reform and positioned Nigeria to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Abuja, expected to draw professionals from over 126 countries.
Participants at the summit agreed that restoring Nigeria’s reputation would require unity, discipline and sustained effort, ensuring that the country’s global narrative aligns with tangible progress at home.