The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the Federal Government is strengthening global partnerships to counter negative narratives and promote a more accurate image of Nigeria on the world stage.
Speaking on Saturday in London at the UK Edition of the Renewed Hope Global Dialogue with the theme “Strengthening Global Partnerships for Economic Renewal and National Rebranding under the Renewed Hope Administration,” Idris said collaboration remains central to Nigeria’s ongoing rebranding and image-building efforts.
The Minister noted that one of the major reputational challenges confronting the country is the spread of false claims about state-sponsored religious discrimination.
“We have been very robust in our rebuttals, making it clear that these are despicable narratives being peddled by people who know nothing about Nigeria,” he said. “We need international friends and partners who know our country very well and understand our complexities, and who can add their voices to present an accurate and credible picture of Nigeria.”
Idris said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is leading efforts to project Nigeria positively through strategic communication and partnerships.
“A national brand does not emerge by accident; it has to be designed, crafted, and marketed in a deliberate and painstaking way,” he added.
He revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has established the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) to promote national pride and a positive global reputation.
According to him, the NRMG has also launched the Nigeria Global Reputation Management Project, managed by a team of branding experts, to coordinate international image-building initiatives.
The Minister announced that the Federal Government has designated October 15 as Nigeria Reputation Day, to raise awareness about the importance of national reputation management.
He also disclosed that Nigeria will host the 2026 African Public Relations Association (APRA) Conference and the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja — the first African country to host both events in the same year.
Highlighting diplomatic and economic milestones, Idris said President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy vision, known as the Tinubu Doctrine anchored on the 4Ds — Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora — is already producing tangible results.
He cited Nigeria’s recent admission as a BRICS partner country, the election of a Nigerian as Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), and the appointment of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting as key achievements.
Idris also announced that Nigeria has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, crediting the development to President Tinubu’s reforms that have strengthened the nation’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework.
He commended the efforts of government agencies and international partners that worked together to achieve the milestone, saying it reflects Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and global financial standards.
On domestic reforms, Idris noted that the administration has implemented a unified exchange rate, launched a national student loan scheme benefiting over 500,000 students, introduced a new national minimum wage, rolled out a national consumer credit program, and initiated the presidential CNG project.
Other achievements include the enactment of four new Tax Acts, the creation of five new Regional Development Commissions, and the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, he added.
The Minister expressed confidence that Nigeria is regaining international credibility and domestic stability under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“We are a listening, engaging government,” Idris said. “We invite the world to see the fantastic things happening in Nigeria and explore ways of partnering with us to take the transformation to the next level.”
