The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has defended the Federal Government’s decision to engage lobbying services in the United States, insisting that the move does not constitute a criminal offence but falls squarely within the bounds of legitimate public relations practice.
Naijaonpoint reports that the clarification was made on Thursday by the President of the NIPR, Ike Neliaku, during the official presentation of the First Nigeria Reputation Perception Index Report 2025 at the National Assembly Complex.
Neliaku spoke against the backdrop of sustained criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups over the Bola Tinubu administration’s approval of a $9m lobbying contract in the United States.
Critics have argued that the expenditure reflects misplaced priorities, especially at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising insecurity, inflation and economic hardship.
Responding to concerns, the NIPR president maintained that lobbying is a globally accepted component of public relations and should not be misconstrued as illegal.
“Many are asking why we should hire lobbyists. Lobbying is a public relations function. So it is not a criminal thing to do,” Neliaku said.
He added that Nigeria stood to gain even more through direct international engagement, noting that participants from 126 countries expected at the World Public Relations Forum 2026 would serve as informal ambassadors for the country.
“But the important thing is that those we are hiring to lobby for us will soon be coming here from 126 countries… and that is the greatest lobby we can do,” he added.
The NIPR boss argued that global perceptions of Nigeria are often shaped by elite narratives amplified by international media, rather than the everyday realities experienced by ordinary Nigerians.
He said, “This is because by the time they are returning, they will be going back with a broad impression of what they have seen. Reputation is governed by the elite, while realities are controlled by ordinary people.
“So while ordinary people are happy with Nigerians, saying your country is wonderful and blessed, the elite that have access to the media will continue to paint a picture of a programmed nation.”
Neliaku said this disconnect partly explains why Nigeria is sometimes classified unfavourably on the global stage, including being labelled a Country of Particular Concern in some international assessments.
According to him, Nigeria’s greatest asset remains its human capital, both at home and in the diaspora.
“So when you are painted as a Country of Particular Concern, understand where it is coming from. The greatest asset of Nigeria is its people. That we have not been able to convert this asset into capital is a different thing entirely,” he said.