Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026: Fashola Outlines Path To Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Image
Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has outlined a bold vision for improving Nigeria’s reputation abroad, urging citizens and leaders alike to defend the country through actions rather than seeking approval from foreign powers.
Speaking at the inaugural Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) through its Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), Fashola challenged government officials, private sector actors, and civil society representatives to take concrete steps toward strengthening Nigeria’s global image.
Recalling his personal experience dealing with countries that had restricted Nigerian citizens, Fashola said, “I remember when one country told us not to come. I met their representatives elsewhere, and they explained the economic impact of our absence. I told them the money is moving elsewhere. I wasn’t begging. I was standing up for my country.” His statement underscored the importance of proactive defense of Nigeria’s interests and image.
A major part of Fashola’s address focused on newly appointed ambassadors. He stressed that diplomats must be fully briefed on Nigeria’s policies, economic priorities, tax laws, investment incentives, and business environment before deployment. According to him, ambassadors should actively attract foreign investment and promote Nigeria as a destination for business, tourism, and cultural exchange, rather than inviting Nigerian ministers to visit host countries unnecessarily.
Fashola also highlighted Nigeria’s cultural influence, noting that music, fashion, cuisine, Nollywood, and other creative exports serve as soft power tools that enhance the nation’s image. He encouraged leveraging cultural showcases, conventions, and exhibitions to give visitors firsthand experience of the country’s opportunities and vibrancy.
The summit also marked the unveiling of Nigeria’s first National Reputation Perception Index by NIPR. The index placed Nigeria at 35.2 out of 100, reflecting a “high potential, low trust” scenario. While culture emerged as the country’s strongest reputation asset, leadership, social equity, innovation, and communication lagged behind.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, called on citizens, professionals, institutions, and the private sector to take collective responsibility for projecting Nigeria positively, saying that national reputation is earned through actions and consistent communication. “The report is not a verdict on Nigeria. It is a mirror. We must have the courage to look into that mirror and act,” he said.
Ike Neliaku, president of NIPR, clarified concerns over the $9 million US PR engagement, emphasizing that questions raised were about process and vendor competence rather than the legitimacy of using professional PR to manage Nigeria’s image.
Fashola concluded by stressing the importance of coordinated efforts. Ambassadors must be prepared, cultural assets must be leveraged, governance and security must be visible strengths, and communication should be honest, consistent, and clear to both domestic and international audiences.
The summit brought together key dignitaries, including Pauline Tallen, former minister of women affairs; Olalekan Fadolapo, director-general of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria; Jibrin Baba-Ndace, director-general of the Voice of Nigeria; and other media and PR professionals. Their participation reinforced the call for a united approach to elevating Nigeria’s global brand.
