The Minister Of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Tuesday at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 held in Abuja, where Nigeria’s first national reputation perception index was unveiled by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Idris described the index as a critical tool for understanding how Nigeria is perceived at home and abroad, stressing that it should serve as a basis for reflection and action rather than judgement. He commended the NIPR and the Nigerian Reputation Management Group for producing the report after several years of research.
While acknowledging that the report places Nigeria in a low-trust category, the minister said the country has made notable progress over the past two years under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, adding that perception often lags behind reality.
He highlighted Nigeria’s democratic credentials, noting that the country has enjoyed 27 uninterrupted years of democracy, with open political participation and one of the freest media environments globally, which he described as key indicators of credibility and trust.
On governance and the economy, Idris pointed to reforms aimed at strengthening local government autonomy, improving security through community-based initiatives, and restoring fiscal discipline through the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system.
He said investments are also ongoing in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and youth-focused programmes, including student loans and venture funding for young entrepreneurs, noting that inflation is easing and growth is stabilising.
The minister stressed that government alone cannot shape Nigeria’s reputation, urging Nigerians to promote unity, reject false narratives and project the country with confidence. Dignitaries at the summit included Babatunde Raji Fashola, Pauline Tallen, Olalekan Fadolapo, Jibrin Baba-Ndace and Ike Neliaku, among others.
