Senate Assures Nigeria Is Rebuilding Global Reputation

The Senate has affirmed that Nigeria is working diligently to rebuild its reputation on the global stage. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau gave the assurance during the presentation of the inaugural Nigeria Reputation Perception Index Report 2025 in Abuja on Thursday.

Barau described national reputation as a strategic asset and welcomed data-driven tools to assess Nigeria’s image across governance, economy, security, and culture.

“Reputation is built on lived realities  leadership quality, institutional integrity, and citizens’ daily experiences,” he stated, pledging legislative support for transparency and justice reforms.

Separately, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations President Ike Neliaku defended the Federal Government’s approval of a $9 million U.S. lobbying contract, stating that lobbying is a legitimate public relations function and not a criminal act.

He argued that direct international engagement would help reshape perceptions often skewed by elite-driven media narratives.

Also speaking, retired ambassador Joe Keshi cautioned against confusing public relations with propaganda and highlighted Nigeria’s declining diplomatic influence abroad.

“Good leadership and governance are critical for reputation and national progress,” he stressed, calling for policy coherence and institutional reforms.