The Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, has described national reputation as a strategic asset rather than mere propaganda in an increasingly interconnected global environment.
Naijaonpoint reports that Barau made the assertion on Thursday during the official presentation of the First Nigeria Reputation Perception Index Report 2025 at the National Assembly Complex.
The senator commended the development of a data-driven framework for assessing Nigeria’s image across critical sectors, noting that such initiatives provide an objective basis for national self-assessment.
He said the report’s comprehensive approach, covering areas such as governance, economy, security, institutions, culture, innovation and social trust, was timely and necessary.
Barau said, “In today’s interconnected world, national reputation is no longer a matter of sentiment or propaganda; it is a strategic asset.
“It is therefore both timely and commendable that Nigeria has taken this bold step to systematically assess how it is perceived across key dimensions such as governance, economy, security, institutions, culture, innovation, and social trust.”
Barau stressed that credible and independent reports are essential for effective lawmaking and legislative oversight, describing them as vital tools for informed decision-making in parliament.
He said, “The National Assembly, as the custodian of the people’s mandate, requires credible data and independent insights to effectively discharge its core responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, and representation.
“Evidence-based reports such as this empower legislators to draft responsive laws, strengthen institutional frameworks, and demand accountability where it matters most.”
Reputation Must Reflect Citizens’ Realities
However, the Senate Deputy President cautioned that national reputation must be grounded in the lived experiences of citizens, warning against relying solely on perception management.
“Reputation is ultimately built from lived realities. It is shaped by the quality of leadership, the integrity of institutions, the consistency of public policies, and the everyday experiences of citizens,” Barau stated.
He pledged the support of the National Assembly for reforms aimed at promoting transparency, national unity and social justice, noting that sustainable reputation-building must be driven by genuine progress and inclusive governance.