By Victoria Attah, Correspondent
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has called for renewed collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate the completion of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) National Secretariat, describing it as a project that reflects the growth and identity of the profession in Nigeria.
He made the appeal on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the ongoing construction of the NIPR secretariat, known as “Public Relations Place,” located within the premises of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria at Radio House, Garki, Abuja.
Adeniyi said the progress recorded on the site was encouraging, adding that the structure represents more than a building, but a symbol of how far the public relations profession has evolved in the country.
He noted that public relations practitioners have contributed significantly to governance, corporate communication, and national cohesion, stressing that such contributions deserve a permanent institutional home that reflects their importance.
According to him, the responsibility of delivering the project should not rest on a few individuals, but should be embraced collectively by professionals, government bodies, and private sector partners who understand its long-term value.
He also pointed to the upcoming hosting of the World Public Relations Forum as an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to global communication standards through the timely completion of the secretariat.
Adeniyi, a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations and former Vice President of the Institute, pledged continued advocacy for broader support toward the project.
Receiving the delegation, the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Muhammad Bulama, described the project as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s communication sector and a long-overdue investment in institutional infrastructure.
He said the decision to allocate the site for the project was based on the strategic importance of NIPR, adding that the pace of development on the land had surpassed initial expectations.
Bulama also commended Adeniyi for his consistent support and active involvement, noting that his engagement had helped sustain confidence in the project’s direction.
The Vice President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations and Chairman of the Project Committee, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, said efforts were ongoing to ensure the delivery of a modern secretariat that would serve the needs of the profession for years to come.
He appreciated stakeholders and members of the project team for their commitment, while acknowledging the leadership of the Institute’s President and Council Chairman, Ike Neliaku.
The visit attracted senior members of NIPR, Council representatives, engineers handling the construction, and stakeholders from across the communications and public relations community.
