Nigeria’s reputation must be earned through credible leadership and institutional performance, not through propaganda.
This was the consensus at Nigeria Reputation Day 2026, where stakeholders called for collective action to rebuild the country’s global image.
For a country seeking investment and stronger global partnerships, perception matters. But perception alone cannot build a credible national reputation.
At Nigeria Reputation Day 2026, held under the theme, “Own the Narrative: Shaping Nigeria’s Reputation Together,” speakers stressed that Nigeria’s image must be backed by measurable achievements and responsible leadership.
Chairman of the Advisory Body of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, John Momoh, says the country must confront insecurity, corruption and declining public trust while projecting its talent, resilience and creative excellence.
He urged the government to demonstrate clarity and competence in policymaking, businesses to uphold ethical standards, and the media to prioritise accuracy amid the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation.
In his keynote address, former NIMASA Director-General, Dakuku Peterside, described national reputation as a strategic asset with direct implications for investment, trade and diplomacy.
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He warned that a negative national image increases the cost of doing business and weakens international confidence. Peterside proposed a national evidence repository and reputation dashboard to document the country’s achievements and track progress.y
Nigeria Reputation Day is an initiative of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, a private-sector-led initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, designed to coordinate efforts towards improving Nigeria’s image.
The 2026 observance reinforces a central message: Nigeria’s global standing will depend not merely on the stories told about the country, but on the quality of its leadership, the performance of its institutions and its people’s experiences.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
