NIPR Warns Against Unlicensed PR Practitioners

The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has raised concerns over the increasing number of unlicensed individuals practising public relations, warning that their activities are tarnishing the profession’s reputation and misleading organisations.

The Chairman of the NIPR Rivers State Chapter, Rev. Francis Asuk, made the remarks on Thursday during a lecture commemorating the 2026 World Public Relations Day. The event was organised in collaboration with Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt.

Asuk said the growing involvement of unqualified practitioners has contributed to widespread misconceptions about public relations, stressing that only licensed professionals are legally qualified to handle strategic communication for governments, businesses and institutions.

According to him, public relations has evolved beyond the dissemination of information to become a strategic leadership function that influences decision-making and institutional growth.

He warned that individuals who are not registered members of the NIPR are not authorised to practise the profession, urging aspiring communication professionals to obtain the necessary certification through the institute.

Asuk added that the NIPR has established a comprehensive platform to enable qualified practitioners to register, receive professional training and operate in line with industry standards.

Speaking on the 2026 World Public Relations Day theme, “The Golden Age of Strategic Public Relations,” Asuk said it reflects the growing role of strategic communication in addressing social, political, economic and developmental challenges.

He noted that modern public relations is no longer limited to publicity but has become a strategic management function that builds trust, shapes public perception, strengthens institutions and promotes sustainable relationships between organisations and their stakeholders.

He further emphasised that effective public relations is vital to Nigeria’s development, as it enhances transparency, strengthens public confidence, encourages citizen participation in governance and supports inclusive decision-making.

Asuk also urged public relations professionals in Rivers State and the Niger Delta to help bridge communication gaps, encourage dialogue among stakeholders and promote initiatives that foster peace, investment and sustainable development.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor of Political Science at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Kenneth Nweke, said the event’s theme highlights the shift from traditional media relations and event management to transparent, strategic communication in the digital era.

Nweke stressed that modern public relations should prioritise building trust in government, leadership and the business environment. He also criticised the country’s leadership and followership challenges, urging governments to engage competent communication professionals rather than opportunists.

In his goodwill message, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the theme as evidence of the profession’s transformation into a key strategic function at the highest levels of governance and organisational leadership.

He said public relations practitioners now serve as boardroom strategists, reputation managers and custodians of institutional credibility, playing a critical role in shaping decisions and driving national development through integrity and trust-based relationships.

Also speaking, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchuku, represented by the institution’s Registrar, Dr. Chinonye Ajie, commended the NIPR for hosting the event at the university and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting the institute’s programmes.