FG Launches Campaign to Rebrand Nigeria’s Global Image

The Federal Government has launched a comprehensive initiative to rebuild Nigeria's global image, calling on citizens and institutions to participate in "National Reputation Branding." At the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the country’s international standing is a collective asset that requires protection through honest communication and consistent progress.

​A major highlight of the summit was the unveiling of Nigeria’s first-ever National Reputation Perception Index. Produced by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) after years of empirical research, the index serves as a data-driven baseline for how Nigeria is viewed both by its own citizens and by the international community. Minister Idris described the report as a "mirror" that reflects the hard truths the nation must address to improve its standing.

 The Minister stressed that building a national reputation is not about "propaganda," but about the discipline of aligning actions with words. He noted that while the government can set the tone, the actual "brand" of Nigeria is determined by the conduct of its professionals, the quality of its institutions, and the integrity of the private sector. The index is intended to provide a roadmap for where these various sectors need to improve.

​Despite the optimistic tone of the summit, the Minister acknowledged the significant hurdles ahead. He stated that "demonstrable progress" on the ground particularly in areas of security and economic stability is the only way to shift negative perceptions. He commended the NIPR and the Nigerian Reputation Management Group for their leadership in creating a scientific framework for managing the country’s image, moving away from purely reactive communications.

As the summit concluded, the Federal Government urged all Nigerians to see themselves as ambassadors. The unveiling of the Perception Index marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to monitor and improve Nigeria’s brand equity. The Ministry of Information plans to use the data from the report to inform future policy decisions and international engagement strategies, ensuring that the "New Nigeria" narrative is backed by verifiable facts.