The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inducted 73 public relations officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), marking a significant milestone in the Service’s drive to professionalise its public communication function and eliminate quackery in information management.
The induction followed the successful completion of a certification and training programme organised through a partnership between the Immigration service and the NIPR.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Comptroller -general of Immigration (CGI), Kemi Nanna Nandap at a ceremony held on Friday at the Service headquarters in Abuja, the deputy comptroller -general (DCG), Franca Nwanneka, described public relations as a strategic management function that has become indispensable to institutional success.
She said the programme underscored the Service’s commitment to building a professional, innovative and service-oriented organisation capable of effectively communicating its reforms and strengthening public confidence.
“Public Relations is no longer merely about disseminating information; it is a strategic function that builds public trust, protects institutional reputation and strengthens stakeholder confidence,” she said.
According to the CGI, the Nigeria Immigration Service has continued to implement far-reaching reforms in border governance, service delivery and technology-driven migration management, noting that such reforms can only achieve their intended impact when effectively communicated to the public.
She urged the newly inducted officers to serve as credible ambassadors of the Service by communicating with professionalism, integrity, accuracy and responsibility.
“As custodians of the Service’s image, you are expected to proactively tell the Service’s story, promote our achievements, manage crises effectively and reinforce public confidence in our mandate,” she stated.
Nandap further challenged the officers to deploy the knowledge acquired during the training in their respective commands and formations, ensuring that their certification translates into improved performance and more strategic stakeholder engagement.
