Nigeria’s Information Minister Calls for Action to Restore National Reputation

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called for urgent national action to restore the country’s reputation on the global stage. Speaking on March 14, 2026, at the Nigeria Reputation Summit held in Abuja, Idris addressed the challenges posed by negative perceptions, stating that these views are “not a verdict but a mirror.” He emphasized the need for Nigeria to actively promote its successes rather than allowing critics to dominate the narrative.

Idris’s remarks followed the release of the National Reputation Perception Index, which indicated that Nigeria scored only 35.2 percent, placing it within a low-trust category globally. The minister urged that this report should inspire reform and foster a spirit of collective responsibility, rather than leading to despair. “Responsible nations must have the courage to look into that mirror and act swiftly,” he said, underscoring the importance of reputation as a strategic national asset that must be cultivated and safeguarded.

Despite ongoing challenges, including issues of insecurity and economic difficulties, Idris pointed to several positive developments that merit attention. He highlighted Nigeria’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, which he described as a significant milestone that showcases the country’s improving investment climate. “If reputation matters in attracting investment, then Nigeria’s exit from the FATF grey list was a huge signal. Yet we hardly celebrated it,” he remarked, noting that nations that criticize Nigeria still engage robustly with it for business opportunities.

The information minister also took the opportunity to critique the media, urging Nigerian citizens to avoid amplifying fear and crime narratives. He said, “Don’t celebrate criminals. Celebrate our gallant soldiers who are dying daily so we can live and gather like this.” Idris declared that protecting Nigeria’s image is a constitutional duty for all citizens.

At the summit, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola emphasized the need for thorough training for Nigeria’s ambassadors before they are sent abroad. He highlighted that diplomats should be equipped with current knowledge about Nigeria’s economy and governance to effectively represent the country. “Training should not be optional; it should be continuous,” Fashola insisted, suggesting that the Ministry of Information collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure this preparation becomes institutionalized.

Fashola also pointed out that ambassadors should focus on bringing investors to Nigeria rather than relying solely on foreign trips to market the nation. “Those who want to do business must come and see where we live. Slides cannot replace experience,” he stated. He advocated for utilizing global meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) to enhance tourism, investment, and economic growth.

Reiterating the significance of law and order, Fashola argued that a reputation for compliance and respect for regulations is vital for attracting investors. He said, “A law-abiding reputation leads to other good things. It’s what any serious due diligence begins with.” He urged citizens to distinguish between dissatisfaction with government policies and hostility towards the nation itself, reminding them that while governments may change, Nigeria will endure.

During the summit, Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), announced that the institute had been recognized as the world’s leading public relations association by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management. This accolade positions Nigeria favorably ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Public Relations Forum in Abuja, which is expected to attract professionals from over 126 countries.

Participants at the summit agreed that rebuilding Nigeria’s reputation will require discipline, unity, and sustained action, aligning national narratives with measurable progress. As Idris concluded, “Ultimately, reputation is earned through action, not slogans. Policy must meet purpose, and communication must reflect truth.” The call to action resonates as Nigeria seeks to reshape its image on the international stage.