NIPR launches charter, practice code for spokespersons

The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has launched a charter and practice code for public relations practitioners and spokespersons. The code was launched yesterday during the second edition of the National Spokespersons’ Summit with the theme ‘Integrity and Evolving Roles of Spokespersons in Leadership Communication’. Speaking during the launch yesterday, the President and Chairman […]

The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has launched a charter and practice code for public relations practitioners and spokespersons.

The code was launched yesterday during the second edition of the National Spokespersons’ Summit with the theme ‘Integrity and Evolving Roles of Spokespersons in Leadership Communication’.

Speaking during the launch yesterday, the President and Chairman of the Council, NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, said the code is an instrument created to provide professional support and ethical guidance in the conduct, actions and activities of spokespersons who represent organisations, public figures, brands or institutions in Nigeria.

He stated that as a regulatory body for public relations practice in Nigeria, the institute has the duty of ensuring that professional best practices, integrity and ethical standards are upheld at all times in PR practice in the country.

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“The two core objectives of the code are to provide an enabling instrument for spokespersons to properly understand, and be well guided by the public relations core essence of building reputation, managing perceptions, cultivating goodwill, promoting trust, fostering understanding, encouraging friendship, with mutual respect, and strengthening relationship, within and outside their operating environment; and help principals/leaders to understand the professional functionality of their spokespersons, and measure their performances, in line with the established standards and content of this charter.”

He added that the NIPR is in partnership with Global Alliance for Public Relations; Nasarawa State Government; Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Agency to establish the University of Public Relations and Leadership.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged participants to embrace information and media literacy, a composite concept first adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2008.

“Today, in a world where everyone is a spokesperson, whether a PR practitioner or a chief executive in the public and private spaces, the imperative for media literacy becomes ever more paramount, as it equips individuals with the tools to decipher, analyse and evaluate messages conveyed through various media channels, enabling the latitude to make informed decisions and engage with media content responsibly.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said effective leadership communication is key to improving public perceptions of governmental institutions.

He said there is significant potential for a stronger partnership between the NIPR and the National Assembly to work together to launch public orientation campaigns that explain how policies are created and showcase the important role of parliament.

“This initiative could significantly enhance public understanding and reduce negative perceptions. By combining our efforts, we can ensure clear, effective and inclusive communication. Moreover, targeted training programmes for press officers and parliamentary committees, guided by global best practices, will help translate complex legislative matters into narratives that resonate with all Nigerians.”