The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on public relations practitioners to move beyond image polishing and embrace candid, issues-based engagement with Nigerians, saying transparency is now central to governance and national trust.
Speaking at the Nigeria Public Relations Week (Croc City) 2026 with the theme: “Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plate; the Imperatives of Public Relations” in Kaduna on Thursday, Kalu said that Public Relations must incorporate a needs analysis mechanism to truly understand what concerns citizens the most and identify potential pathways forward.
He commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for its role in promoting professionalism, ethical communication, and reputation management since its establishment.
The Deputy Speaker, who was conferred with the Honorary Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FINPR) noted that the institute has been vital in strengthening relationships between institutions and the citizens they serve.
He said, “Public relations for leaders should extend beyond merely announcing their achievements or addressing perceived problems.
“It must incorporate a needs analysis to truly understand what concerns citizens the most and identify potential pathways forward. Following these discussions, it is vital to return to the public for feedback and appraisal sessions.
“Public relations shouldn’t just focus on creating a polished image; it should also involve candid discussions that address real issues, ensuring a more transparent and authentic connection with the citizens. This transparency promotes trust, paving the way for more effective governance in the future.
“The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations occupies an important place in our national life. Since its establishment, it has championed professionalism, ethical communication, reputation management and strengthened relationships between institutions and the citizens they serve.
“In an era where misinformation, distrust, and division can spread rapidly, the work of public relations professionals has
become even more critical to democracy and development.”
Citing the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report, the deputy speaker warned that more than 61% of citizens worldwide now express moderate to high grievance toward institutions, while distrust in media and leadership continues to rise.
“This reality underscores why credible communication is no longer optional: it is essential. As I have often said, a nation’s greatest strength is not only in its resources or institutions, but in the trust its people place in them”, he said.
Kalu stressed that nations today succeed not just by the strength of their policies, but by the strength of trust between government and the governed.
“Today, more than ever, nations succeed not only by the strength of their policies, but by the strength of trust between government and the governed. Public confidence is built through transparency, accountability, empathy, and honest communication”.
Kalu commended President Bola Tinubu for projecting the image of Nigeria through his trips abroad, culminating in his recent state visit to the United Kingdom, which he said further demonstrated the strategic importance of public relations in modern governance and international diplomacy.
He said that such engagements reinforced effective public relations, which is not merely about image, but about building credibility, trust, and mutually beneficial relationships that advance the interests of the country.
