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The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) have expressed readiness to collaborate on strengthening public communication and citizens’ engagement to improve understanding of government policies, programmes and activities.
The commitment was made when the NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, led a delegation of the Institute on a visit to the BPP headquarters, where they were received by the Director-General, Dr Adebowale Adedokun.
During the meeting, both organisations highlighted the importance of strategic communication in promoting public understanding, building trust in government institutions and ensuring that citizens are better informed about policies and public sector activities. Blueprint reports
Adedokun commended the NIPR for its efforts towards rebuilding Nigeria’s reputation, describing effective communication as an important component of the country’s development process.
He reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to the Nigeria Project and called on the professional body to support the development of a communication approach that would enable citizens to better understand the BPP’s programmes, policies and activities.
BPP seeks stronger public understanding of procurement activities
The BPP Director-General stressed the need for a more effective communication framework to bridge the gap between government institutions and the citizens they serve.
He called on the NIPR to deploy its professional expertise in public relations and strategic communication to help the Bureau communicate its mandate, initiatives and activities more effectively.
The proposed collaboration is expected to focus on improving public awareness of the Bureau’s work and strengthening engagement with stakeholders who interact with the public procurement system.
Effective communication is particularly important in public procurement, which concerns the processes through which government institutions acquire goods, works and services using public funds.
A better-informed public can more readily understand procurement procedures, the responsibilities of relevant institutions and the importance of accountability in the management of public resources.
Through professional communication strategies, government agencies can explain their policies, clarify public concerns and provide citizens with information that supports informed participation in governance.
The partnership proposed by the two organisations would therefore provide an opportunity to bring public relations expertise to the communication of procurement policies and reforms.
Neliaku pledges NIPR’s professional support
In his remarks, Neliaku commended Adedokun and the management of the Bureau for the changes recorded in the organisation in recent times.
He assured the BPP leadership of the Institute’s readiness to work closely with the Bureau to strengthen its communication strategies and citizens’ engagement.
The NIPR president said the Institute was prepared to deploy its professional knowledge and expertise in public relations and strategic communication to support the Bureau’s communication objectives.
The collaboration would enable the BPP to draw on the experience of public relations practitioners in communicating institutional policies, engaging stakeholders and presenting government initiatives in ways that are accessible to different audiences.
Neliaku’s assurance reflects the role of the NIPR as a professional body committed to advancing public relations practice and promoting effective communication across public and private sector institutions.
For government agencies, strategic communication goes beyond issuing statements and public announcements. It also involves understanding the information needs of citizens, communicating policy objectives clearly, responding to public concerns and building sustained relationships with stakeholders.
The proposed partnership is expected to support these objectives by strengthening the relationship between the Bureau and the professional body.
Nigeria to host World Public Relations Forum in November 2026
Neliaku also informed the BPP Director-General and his management team that Nigeria would host the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in November 2026.
According to him, the global event is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates from 126 countries, bringing together professionals and stakeholders in public relations and strategic communication.
He called on the Bureau to partner with the NIPR towards the successful hosting of the international gathering.
The forum is expected to provide an opportunity for communication professionals from different parts of the world to exchange ideas, discuss emerging developments in the industry and explore the role of public relations in addressing contemporary challenges.
Nigeria’s hosting of the event would also offer an opportunity to showcase the country’s public relations industry, professional expertise and communication capabilities to an international audience.
Neliaku’s appeal to the BPP underscores the importance of collaboration among public institutions and professional organisations in preparing for an event of such international significance.
Support from government agencies and other stakeholders could help strengthen the organisation of the forum and facilitate engagement between Nigerian communication professionals and their international counterparts.
Partnership to promote institutional communication
The meeting brought together two institutions whose responsibilities differ but intersect in the broader objective of strengthening public sector governance.
While the NIPR advances professional standards and expertise in public relations, the BPP is responsible for regulating public procurement processes in Nigeria in line with its statutory mandate.
The proposed partnership is expected to create room for the application of professional communication practices to the Bureau’s engagement with citizens and other stakeholders.
It also reflects a wider recognition that public institutions need effective communication to explain their responsibilities, improve public understanding and strengthen confidence in government processes.
Although specific implementation timelines and activities for the proposed collaboration were not outlined in the announcement, both organisations expressed readiness to work together towards improving communication and public engagement.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the NIPR to seek the Bureau’s support for Nigeria’s hosting of the World Public Relations Forum in November.
The two organisations are expected to build on the discussions to explore areas of cooperation that would advance institutional communication, public awareness and stakeholder engagement.
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