With just months to go before Nigeria hosts the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, organisers used a briefing with the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja this week to walk through logistics for the November event, while confirming a major broadcast partnership behind the scenes.
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has signed a Memorandum of Agreement naming the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, known widely as Radio Nigeria, as the forum's official host broadcaster. The agreement was finalised at Radio House in Abuja and is expected to significantly widen publicity for the event, both within Nigeria and internationally, in the lead-up to November.
Set to run from November 15 to 21 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, the forum carries the theme "Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World." Organisers expect it to draw more than 3,000 delegates from 126 countries, a mix that includes heads of state, policymakers, diplomats and communication professionals, positioning it as one of the largest international events Nigeria will host this year.
Three organisations are jointly running the show: the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, the African Public Relations Association, and NIPR. The programme also extends beyond Abuja, with the University of Public Relations and Leadership in Gudi, Nasarawa State, hosting one of the forum's satellite events.
At Monday's briefing, Suleiman Haruna, who chairs the forum's National Planning Committee, walked diplomats through the key arrangements, noting the delegate list will include industry icons, policymakers, youths, students and sector representatives from across the participating countries. NIPR President Dr Ike Neliaku added that the forum will double as the venue for the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference, alongside a roundtable of African information ministers that Nigeria's own Minister of Information is expected to lead.
Media veteran Moji Makanjuola, also present at the briefing, used her remarks to praise NIPR's broader diplomatic and dialogue-building efforts, while pushing for the forum to do more to spotlight women and young professionals in communications leadership, along with continued attention to vulnerable groups. Her comments centred on a familiar theme in PR circles: that the profession succeeds when it builds trust and gives people a genuine voice, not just when it manages messaging.
Beyond the conference sessions themselves, organisers have built out a cultural programme meant to leave an impression on the thousands of international visitors expected. That includes a Jollof Rice Festival designed to serve 10,000 people, and a tailoring pavilion where delegates can get African attire made on the spot during the event.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also pledged a smooth visa process through Nigerian missions abroad, addressing what is often one of the biggest friction points for international attendees at events like this.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to serve as Chief Host, with a roster of African and global leaders attending alongside him. The centrepiece outcome organisers are working toward is the signing of the Abuja Declaration on Responsible Communication, a document they say will set direction for the global PR profession going forward.
With the broadcast deal now locked in and cultural programming taking shape, the remaining months before November will likely be spent tightening logistics, from delegate visas to venue coordination, as Nigeria works to present itself well to what could be one of its largest diplomatic and professional gatherings of the year.
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