The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has called for strategic public relations to be recognised as an indispensable component of national security, nation building and public trust.
The call was made during the grand finale of the Lagos PR Fest 2026, held at the MUSON Centre on Thursday, where communication professionals, security experts, academics, policymakers and corporate leaders gathered to discuss the role of strategic communication in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of Lagos NIPR, Dr Samuel Ayetutu, said discussions on national security have traditionally focused on military strength, equipment and operations while paying little attention to the critical role of communication, public perception and trust.
“Security is often discussed in terms of arms, personnel and operations. Rarely is it discussed in terms of communication, perception and trust. Yet trust is the foundation upon which every security effort ultimately stands or falls,” he said.
The annual conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), which concluded a week-long festival of professional and networking activities, was held under the theme, ‘Security, Nation Building and Public Trust: Fostering Collective Responsibility through Strategic Public Relations’.
Ayetutu said the chapter deliberately chose the theme to reposition communication as a central pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, public relations is not merely supportive of security operations but an essential tool for building confidence between institutions and citizens.
“Public relations is not a luxury in the fight against insecurity. It is a necessity. Where communication fails, even the best-resourced security efforts struggle to gain ground. Where communication is strategic and honest, trust follows; and cooperation follows trust,” he added.
In his keynote address, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, described strategic public relations as the foundation of effective nation building and sustainable national security.
Represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Simeon Akpanudom, the police chief stressed that modern security challenges require collaboration among government institutions, the media, communication professionals and citizens.
He noted that security can no longer be achieved through force alone but through trust, transparency and shared responsibility.
According to him, strategic public relations encourages two-way communication between institutions and the public, transforming citizens from passive observers into active partners in safeguarding national security.
The Inspector-General identified several priorities for strengthening public confidence, including rebuilding institutional credibility through evidence-based communication, promoting transparency and accountability, expanding youth participation in security discussions and deepening collaboration among government agencies, security institutions and the media.
The conference also featured a panel discussion moderated by Channels Television presenter Ayo Makinde.
Panelists included Professor Adedeji Oyenuga of Lagos State University, Lagos NIPR Vice Chairperson Mrs Eniola Mayowa, Chief Executive Officer of The Onward Public Relations, Basil Agboarumi, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tjani Fatai.
The panelists agreed that national security cannot be sustained solely through enforcement mechanisms but requires continuous public engagement, ethical communication and institutional transparency.
They also stressed the importance of countering misinformation, encouraging responsible media reporting and fostering stronger partnerships among security agencies, communication professionals, civil society organisations, academia and the private sector.
Participants further noted that public relations professionals have an increasingly significant role in shaping public understanding, managing crises, promoting positive behavioural change and building the trust necessary for democratic governance and sustainable peace.
The conference marked the conclusion of a week-long PR Fest programme that featured mentorship sessions, sporting activities, facility tours, networking events and other professional engagements aimed at promoting learning, fellowship and excellence within the public relations profession.
