The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has said that Public Relations must incorporate a needs analysis mechanism to truly understand what concerns citizens the most and identify potential pathways forward.
DrumAfricanews reports that Kalu said the above in Kaduna on Thursday, at the Nigeria Public Relations Week (Croc City) 2026 with the theme: “Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plate; the Imperatives of Public Relations”
The Deputy Speaker called on public relations practitioners to move beyond image polishing and embrace candid, issues-based engagement with Nigerians, saying transparency is now central to governance and national trust.
Kalu commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for its role in promoting professionalism, ethical communication, and reputation management since its establishment.
Conferred with the Honorary Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FINPR) at the event, Kalu noted that the institute has been vital in strengthening relationships between institutions and the citizens they serve.
“Public relations for leaders should extend beyond merely announcing their achievements or addressing perceived problems. It must incorporate a needs analysis to truly understand what concerns citizens the most and identify potential pathways forward. Following these discussions, it is vital to return to the public for feedback and appraisal sessions.
“Public relations shouldn’t just focus on creating a polished image; it should also involve candid discussions that address real issues, ensuring a more transparent and authentic connection with the citizens. This transparency promotes trust, paving the way for more effective governance in the future.”
He said that the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations occupies an important place in Nigeria national life, adding that since its establishment, it has championed professionalism, ethical communication, reputation management, and strengthened relationships between institutions and the citizens they serve.
“In an era where misinformation, distrust, and division can spread rapidly, the work of public relations professionals has
become even more critical to democracy and development,” Kalu said.
Kalu who cited the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report, cautioned that more than 61% of citizens worldwide now express moderate to high grievance toward institutions, while distrust in media and leadership continues to rise.
He said that this reality underscores why credible communication is no longer optional: it is essential.
“As I have often said, a nation’s greatest strength is not only in its resources or institutions, but in the trust its people place in them”, he said.
Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, said that he stressed that nations today succeed not just by the strength of their policies, but by the strength of trust between government and the governed.
“Today, more than ever, nations succeed not only by the strength of their policies,
but by the strength of trust between government and the governed. Public confidence is built through transparency, accountability, empathy, and honest communication”.
The Deputy Speaker commended President Bola
Tinubu, for projecting the image of Nigeria through his trips abroad, culminating in his recent State Visit to the United Kingdom which he said further demonstrated the strategic importance of public relations in modern governance and international diplomacy.
Kalu said that such engagements reinforced effective public relations which is not merely about image, but about building credibility, trust, and mutually beneficial relationships that advance the interests of the country.
Reflecting on his role in the National Assembly, the Deputy Speaker said the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to a legislature that listens, engages, explains, and responds to the aspirations of Nigerians.
“Democracy flourishes when citizens feel heard, respected, and included in the governance process. That is why legislative communication, stakeholder engagement, and people-centered leadership remain central to our work,” Kalu stressed.
