The President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, has expressed concern over the growing lack of trust in government, urging PR practitioners to take the lead in rebuilding public confidence by adopting fresh approaches and creating better communication systems that can reconnect citizens with the government.
The call was made at the fifth edition of the PR Power List 2026 Soirée and Awards organised by GLG Communications. The event, held in Lagos to mark World PR Day celebrated every July 16, recognised 50 public relations professionals for their leadership, creativity and contributions to the growth of the profession.
Speakers at the event stressed that restoring public confidence is vital to national development. They urged practitioners to rethink existing communication methods and adopt approaches that can help strengthen the relationship between the government and the people.
Delivering the keynote address, Neliaku said that communication professionals must focus on development communication as a more effective way of rebuilding trust among government, businesses and citizens.
He said the lack of confidence in government did not begin recently but dates back to the colonial era, adding that the problem has continued to affect many aspects of the country’s governance.
“Citizens don’t trust government and that’s the reality. It didn’t start today. It’s a product of a hangover from the colonial days,” he said.
Neliaku explained that during colonial rule, Nigerians were excluded from government decision making and were only informed of official decisions through the Ministry of Information.
“That was why they established the Ministry of Information because they considered that trust was not necessary. All that was necessary is that this is the position of the government and it is either you take it or leave it,” he said.
Referring to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s recent remarks encouraging Nigerians to consider small businesses such as selling akara and roasted corn, Neliaku said many people misunderstood her message because they viewed it from the perspective of conventional communication rather than communication focused on improving people’s lives.
According to him, her message was directed at ordinary Nigerians, especially those without access to smartphones and social media.
He added that the government can only regain the confidence of citizens by putting their welfare first and avoiding promises it cannot fulfil.
Speaking at the event, Managing Partner of GLG Communications and creator of the PR Power List, Omawunmi Ogbe, said the awards celebrate professionals who have continued to raise the standard of public relations over the past year.
She also noted that Africa’s public relations industry is growing steadily as more professionals from the continent, particularly Nigerians, gain recognition at international events, festivals and professional bodies, including the Public Relations and Communications Association and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.
