Mohammed Idris Says Nigeria’s Image Can’t Be Fixed with Grammar Alone

Mohammed Idris,the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has called on Nigerians at home and abroad to actively participate in building, protecting, and promoting the nation’s reputation through honesty, responsible communication, and visible national progress. He stressed that Nigeria’s image must reflect reality, driven by actions rather than rhetoric.

Mohammed Idris made this call at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, held in Abuja, where government officials, communication experts, academics, and private sector leaders gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s national and global perception. The summit focused on the growing importance of reputation as a key driver of national development.

According to Mohammed Idris, a country’s reputation is shaped daily by the behavior of its citizens, institutions, and leaders. He noted that Nigeria’s standing in the international community depends largely on collective conduct, ethical leadership, and a shared commitment to national values.

Mohammed Idris Highlights Shared Role of Nigerians in Nation Branding

In his address, Mohammed Idris emphasized that nation branding should not be left to government alone, but embraced as a shared responsibility involving professionals, institutions, the media, and the private sector. He explained that national reputation is a reflection of everyday choices made by individuals and organizations.

Mohammed Idris warned against relying solely on public relations campaigns without corresponding progress in governance, economic development, and social stability. He stated that credible storytelling must be supported by measurable improvements in policy implementation, service delivery, and accountability.

He further urged Nigerian professionals and corporate organizations to uphold integrity, excellence, and transparency, describing these values as essential tools for building trust locally and internationally. According to Mohammed ethical conduct across sectors remains one of the strongest assets for projecting a positive national image.

Mohammed Idris Commends Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026

Mohammed Idris described the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 as a timely intervention, noting that global perception increasingly influences foreign investment, diplomacy, tourism, and international partnerships. He said the summit provided a critical platform for strategic dialogue on how Nigeria can better manage its narrative.

He observed that in the digital era, misinformation and negative stereotypes spread rapidly, making it necessary for credible voices to tell Nigeria’s story accurately and responsibly. Mohammed called on communication professionals to prioritize national interest while maintaining factual and balanced reporting.

The minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and communication experts, stressing that sustainable reputation management requires consistency, professionalism, and long-term planning rather than reactive messaging.

Mohammed Idris Hails Launch of National Reputation Perception Index

A major highlight of the summit, according to Mohammed Idris, was the launch of Nigeria’s first National Reputation Perception Index by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). He described the index as a groundbreaking tool for objectively assessing how Nigeria is perceived locally and globally.

Mohammed Idris explained that the perception index would provide reliable, data-driven insights into public opinion and international sentiment about Nigeria. He noted that such evidence-based measurement is essential for tracking progress, identifying gaps, and guiding effective policy and communication strategies.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s support for the initiative, Mohammed expressed optimism that the index would help reposition Nigeria’s image over time. He concluded that sustained national reputation can only be achieved through truth, unity, and consistent development anchored on shared responsibility.