Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos Chapter has called on the Federal government to patronize public relations professionals to enhance its efforts in rebranding the nation.
Chief Executive Officer, C&F/Porter Novelli and member NIPR, Mr. Nnemeka Maduegbuna who stated this at the 3rd Lagos NIPR Stakeholders’ Conference with the theme: “Communication, Reputation and Sustainable Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria” urged the government to employ the professionals at the NIPR in managing Nigeria’s reputation at home and abroad so as to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country.
Maduegbuna lamented the fall in FDI to Nigeria from $8 billion in 2011 to $3 billion in 2015, saying Ghana had left Nigeria behind with over $3.2 FDI in 2015 due to lack of transparency in the foreign exchange trading, policy somersaulting, poor infrastructures, insecurity and lack of PR strategy for communication management.
“Any government that refuses to communicate will soon go into extinction. But you have got to earn a reputation before you can communicate,” he said.
The C&F/Porter Novelli boss also called on the government to adopt a macro-economic policy that will enhance wealth creation through transformation of raw materials into finished products.
Chairman NIPR, Lagos Chapter Mr. Segun McMedal who described the theme of the conference as timing called on the government to improve infrastructure in the country so as to attract more FDI.
“The preferred destinations for FDI have good infrastructures and steady macro-economic environment. Places like Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore, the preferred investors’ destinations are known for their world class infrastructures,” McMedal stated.
The event which had a panel session led by the President, Africa Public Relations Association, Mr. Yomi Badejo stressed the need for government to employ professionals in managing the country’s reputation.
The Lagos NIPR Stakeholders’ Conference, an annual event organized by Addefort Limited, a public relations outfit in collaboration with the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR is aimed at creating a viable bridge-building platform for stakeholders to discuss and proffer solutions to social, political and economic challenges plaguing the nation.
Source: worldstagegroup.com
