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Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday charged public relations practitioners to prioritise clarity and simplicity in communicating government reforms and policies, stressing that public understanding remains the bedrock of trust and successful governance.
Speaking at the 2026 Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Week in Kaduna, the Vice-President emphasised that even the most well-conceived policies of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu would falter if citizens fail to grasp their purpose and benefits.
The event, hosted by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, followed the inauguration of the newly constructed Brigadier Abba Kyari Banquet Hall at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Government House, Kaduna.
Shettima described public relations as a critical instrument of governance, essential for bridging the gap between policy formulation and public acceptance.
“As a government, we regard public relations as a strategic function of governance. It is integral to building trust, managing uncertainty and sustaining reform,” he stated.
According to him, governance must not appear distant, nor should policies remain opaque, warning that leadership risks alienation when it communicates in language disconnected from the people.
“No matter how brilliant policies are in conception, they must be explained, trusted and translated from technical language into human meaning,” the Vice-President added.
Focusing on the theme of the conference, “Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plate,” Shettima urged practitioners to ensure that government communication resonates with everyday realities.
He noted that the effectiveness of policy communication lies in its ability to address the concerns of farmers, traders, and households across the country.
Highlighting efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Shettima outlined key interventions by the Federal Government to tackle food insecurity, including the declaration of a state of emergency on food supply, deployment of 2,000 tractors, establishment of a N100 billion agricultural fund, expansion of dry-season farming, and provision of targeted input subsidies.
“These efforts can only be vindicated when the farmer feels relief, when the market reflects the change, and when the household experiences the difference,” he said, adding that policies that fail to reach the grassroots remain incomplete.
The Vice-President also called on the NIPR to uphold ethical standards and professionalism, assuring practitioners of the administration’s willingness to collaborate in advancing transparent governance.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani described Shettima as a loyal and dependable ally of President Tinubu, noting that Kaduna State remains committed to strengthening agricultural development through increased budgetary allocations.
On his part, President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), Arik Karani, urged Nigerians to project the country positively, citing improvements in visa processing systems and airport procedures for international visitors.
Delivering the keynote address, Brylyne Chisunge commended Nigeria’s strides in food security, describing it as both a national security and economic priority. She, however, noted that bridging policy implementation gaps remains critical to unlocking the nation’s agricultural potential.
Earlier, NIPR President Ike Neliaku said the annual gathering was part of the institute’s contribution to strengthening governance through strategic communication.
He disclosed that Nigeria would host a global public relations summit in November, bringing together participants from 162 countries, expressing confidence in the nation’s growing influence in the sector.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, alongside other senior government officials.
By PRNigeria
