The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has defended the Federal Government’s decision to engage lobbying services in the United States, insisting that the move does not amount to a criminal offence but falls within the scope of legitimate public relations practice.
The clarification was made on Thursday by the NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, during the official presentation of the First Nigeria Reputation Perception Index Report 2025 at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Neliaku spoke against the backdrop of sustained criticism by opposition parties and civil society groups over the President Bola Tinubu administration’s approval of a $9m contract for lobbying in the US.
Critics have argued that the expenditure reflects misplaced priorities at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising insecurity, inflation and economic hardship.
Responding to the concerns, the NIPR president said lobbying was a recognised component of public relations and should not be misconstrued as an illicit activity.
He said, “Many are asking why we should hire lobbyists. Lobbying is a public relations function. So it is not a criminal thing to do. But the important thing is that those we are hiring to lobby for us will soon be coming here from 126 countries (for the World Public Relations Forum 2026) and that is the greatest lobby we can do.”.
Neliaku added that Nigeria stood to benefit more from direct engagement and exposure than from conventional image management efforts abroad.
The PR expert argued that global perceptions of Nigeria were often shaped by elite narratives amplified through international media rather than the everyday realities experienced by ordinary citizens.
“This is because by the time they are returning, they will be going back with a broad impression of what they have seen. Reputation is governed by the elite, while realities are controlled by ordinary people.
“So while ordinary people are happy with Nigerians, saying your country is wonderful and blessed, the elite that have access to the media will continue to paint a picture of a programmed nation,” he stated.
The NIPR boss said this disconnect partly explained why Nigeria was sometimes classified unfavourably on the global stage.
According to him, Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its human capital, both at home and in the diaspora.
He said, “So when you are painted as a Country of Particular Concern, understand where it is coming from. The greatest asset of Nigeria is its people. That we have not been able to convert this asset into capital is a different thing entirely.”
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, described national reputation as a strategic asset rather than mere propaganda in an increasingly interconnected world.
The senator commended the development of a data-driven framework for assessing Nigeria’s image across critical sectors.
Barau said such independent reports were essential for effective lawmaking and oversight.
He said, “In today’s interconnected world, national reputation is no longer a matter of sentiment or propaganda; it is a strategic asset. It is therefore both timely and commendable that Nigeria has taken this bold step to systematically assess how it is perceived across key dimensions such as governance, economy, security, institutions, culture, innovation, and social trust.
“The National Assembly, as the custodian of the people’s mandate, requires credible data and independent insights to effectively discharge its core responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, and representation.
“Evidence-based reports such as this empower legislators to draft responsive laws, strengthen institutional frameworks, and demand accountability where it matters most.”
However, the Senate leader cautioned that reputation must be anchored on lived realities.
“Reputation is ultimately built from lived realities. It is shaped by the quality of leadership, the integrity of institutions, the consistency of public policies, and the everyday experiences of citizens.”
He pledged legislative support for reforms that promote transparency, unity and social justice
