Big Reset for Legislative Service as NIPR, NASC Strike Partnership
Nigeria’s legislative service is poised for a significant professional boost following a strategic engagement between the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) in Abuja on Tuesday, 24th February 2026.
The high-level meeting brought together the leadership of both institutions in a forward-looking conversation on strengthening institutional capacity within the legislative arm of government.
Leading the NIPR delegation, Acting President, Prof. Emmanuel Samu Dandaura, stressed that a modern legislature must be supported by a competent, ethically grounded and strategically trained workforce. According to him, continuous training for legislative aides and staff of the Commission is not optional but essential for improving service delivery and deepening public confidence in democratic institutions.
He noted that the forthcoming twin event Nigeria is hosting, the Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) Abuja 2026 and the 2026 Annual Conference /AGM of the African Public Relations (APRA) would provide an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s legislative system to a global audience. The Forum, he explained, will feature a dedicated session on the legislature, coordinated by the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), as well as an exhibition on Nigeria’s legislative history highlighting the country’s parliamentary evolution and democratic milestones.
“The Legislature is a very important arm,” Prof. Dandaura stated, adding that the global gathering would demonstrate that Nigeria’s institutions are evolving and responsive.
He further emphasised the importance of reputation awareness within the legislative sector, noting that the behaviour of lawmakers, both locally and internationally, directly affects Nigeria’s image. He urged the Commission to ensure that only qualified and regulated professionals oversee its information and reputation framework in accordance with the NIPR Act. He also supported structured career progression and full cadre development of public relations officers within the legislative service to enhance institutional memory and professionalism.
Chairman of the National Planning Committee of WPRF Abuja 2026, Dr. Suleiman Haruna, who was part of the delegation, assured that the Forum’s programme content is being designed to deliver premium value, urging agencies under the National Assembly to participate actively in what he described as a landmark event.
In his response, the Executive Chairman of NASC, Chief Saviour Enyiekere, congratulated Prof. Dandaura and the NIPR leadership on winning the Global Alliance Award for Best Global Public Relations Association 2025, describing the recognition as a major achievement not only for the Institute but for Nigeria’s professional community.
He also commended NIPR for securing the hosting rights for the World Public Relations Forum 2026, noting that the event would enhance Nigeria’s global reputation by offering international stakeholders firsthand insight into the country’s governance institutions and people.
Chief Enyiekere assured that the Commission under his leadership would prioritise the professionalisation of its information and reputation management systems and pledged NASC’s support toward the successful hosting of the WPRF Abuja 2026 and APRA Conference/AGM scheduled for 15–21 November 2026.
The meeting was attended by members of the National Assembly Service Commission representing the six geopolitical zones, alongside a broad NIPR delegation that included the Registrar, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue; the Co-Chairman of the WPRF Planning Committee, Mr. Yakubu Lamai; Council Members Sanusi Maryam, Ahmed Sajoh and Badejoh Olubunmi; as well as Dr. Ebere Emeribe, Dr. Tope Ojeme, Dr. Kudu Abubakar, Mrs Princess Tiwalade Fapohunda, Dr. Emmanuel Onchono, Mr. Duke Imandu, Ms Alex Eke and Mr. Magaji A. Yakubu.
The fruitful engagement signals a structured move toward institutional strengthening within Nigeria’s legislative service, aligning governance support systems with global best practices in communication, leadership development and professional accountability.
