The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) was established by the 1990 decree of the Federal Government of Nigeria as a professional body responsible for regulating the practice of public relations in the country. Its role includes ensuring strict adherence to professional ethics, standardizing public relations training, conducting seminars and professional examinations, and fostering unity among its members.
The 1990 decree empowers the institute to accredit all practitioners and prohibits non-members from practicing public relations in Nigeria. Membership categories include Fellow (FNIPR), Member (MNIPR), Associate (ANIPR), Student Member, Corporate Member, and Honorary Member. Nigeria is one of only three countries in the world where public relations is regulated by law as a profession; the other two are Argentina and Peru (Iheme, 2020).
Public relations, as a form of positive communication, is widely recognized as an essential tool in creating, shaping, and maintaining goodwill and understanding among various publics. In carrying out its responsibilities, NIPR has helped professionalize public relations, which is carefully guided by a code of ethics. Notably, Section 3(V), Sub-section (v) of the act establishing NIPR states that practitioners must “put truth and honesty of purpose before all other considerations.”
Despite this, the concept of public relations is often misunderstood and misapplied in Nigeria. It is frequently confused with propaganda and advertising, leading to a significant disconnect between the profession and society. This misunderstanding may stem from the nature of public relations, which is governed by ethical standards that clearly distinguish it from other forms of communication. Propaganda is typically used to manipulate public opinion for self-interest, often involving distortion or falsehoods with little regard for ethics. Advertising, on the other hand, aims to persuade people to purchase products or services and often involves exaggerated claims.
Public relations, however, is grounded in ethical responsibility and truthfulness. It seeks to persuade the public to understand and accept issues through positive and honest communication.
The philosophy behind NIPR is to promote and maintain a positive national image by safeguarding Nigeria’s interests and fostering unity through truthful and ethical communication.
With NIPR’s regulatory framework and ethical guidance, Nigeria is positioned to strengthen the public relations profession and enhance its national image.
Imam writes from Kano, Nigeria.
