The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted 191 new members into the profession while issuing a stern warning to unqualified practitioners and organizations employing non-registered individuals. The warning came with a reminder of the legal consequences of such fraudulent activities.
The induction ceremony took place on Saturday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, used the event to reiterate the institute’s commitment to enforcing professional standards. He stressed that both unregistered practitioners and their employers could face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Dr. Neliaku warned that individuals caught practicing public relations without proper certification could be fined, imprisoned for up to two years, or face both penalties. He added that companies employing these fake practitioners would not be exempt from legal action, as directors or officers associated with such corporations could also be held liable.
“Those found guilty of such offenses could be fined up to 100 Naira, a figure that, when adjusted for inflation since 1990, now equates to around 1 million Naira. Public relations is not just a profession; it is grounded in law,” Neliaku said, referring to Decree No. 16 of 1990, which established NIPR as Africa’s first regulatory body for the profession.
He emphasized the importance of professional certification, calling on organizations to ensure that only registered practitioners handle their public relations. Neliaku also urged the new members to focus on continuous professional development, as the public relations landscape is evolving rapidly.
The NIPR President highlighted the value of the institute’s recent Master Class program, which equips participants with the latest innovations in public relations. “Those who completed the program have been immersed in cutting-edge insights that will allow them to lead in reputation management and other critical aspects of public relations,” he said. Neliaku pointed out that reputation is now one of the most valuable assets for both individuals and organizations, urging members to manage public perception proactively.
In his remarks, NIPR Vice President, Emmanuel Dandaura, praised the new inductees for the rigorous training they underwent. He noted that 35 out of 40 participants successfully completed the recent five-day Master Class program, which focuses on practical and innovative approaches to public relations.
Dandaura expressed confidence that the newly inducted members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field. He assured that their training will allow them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and contribute meaningfully to the development of public relations in Nigeria.
The induction ceremony underscores NIPR’s ongoing efforts to maintain professional integrity in the public relations field while sending a clear message that quackery will not be tolerated. Organizations that fail to comply with the legal requirements are at risk of facing legal sanctions as NIPR continues its drive to protect the profession from fraudulent practices.
