By By Elizabeth Ugbo
By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, urged corporate organisations, government institutions, and stakeholders to support the completion of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) National Secretariat project in Garki, Abuja. Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing construction at Radio House, Adeniyi said the project would provide a lasting national identity for the public relations profession ahead of the World Public Relations Forum later this year.
Customs Boss Seeks Greater Support for NIPR Secretariat
Adeniyi described the project, known as Public Relations Place, as a landmark development for Nigeria’s public relations profession.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction and noted that public relations has contributed significantly to national development and professional growth.
According to him, the profession deserves a national edifice that Nigerians can identify with and celebrate.
“PR has done a lot for many of us. It has given us opportunities and platforms to serve, and it has made many of us what we are today. This is the time for us to give something back to the profession,” he said.
He added that the project still requires additional support but expressed confidence in the leadership overseeing its delivery.
“This is very commendable. There is still a long way to go, but we have the right people to drive this project to completion,” Adeniyi stated.
Call for Support Ahead of Global PR Forum
Adeniyi appealed to corporate organisations, government agencies, and supporters of the profession to contribute toward completing the project before Nigeria hosts the World Public Relations Forum.
“We are hosting the world before the end of the year, and this project will be a good gift from Nigeria to the global PR family. Every support towards its completion will be welcome,” he added.
The Customs chief is also a Fellow and immediate past Vice President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations.
FRCN Commends Progress on Construction
Earlier, the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Muhammad Bulama, described the project as a major advancement for both the communication industry and public relations practice in Nigeria.
Bulama stressed the need for practitioners and stakeholders to unite behind the initiative.
He explained that Radio Nigeria released the land after recognising the strategic value of the Institute to national development and public communication.
Bulama admitted he initially questioned how quickly construction would progress because an abandoned structure had occupied the site for years.
“To be very honest, I was initially sceptical. But today, we are seeing a massive structure rising here within a short period, and we are proud to host this important institution,” he said.
He also commended Adeniyi for his consistent commitment to the Institute and the project.
NIPR Leadership Reaffirms Commitment
Speaking on behalf of the President and Chairman of the Council of NIPR, Emmanuel Dandaura, who chairs the project committee, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to delivering a befitting national secretariat.
Dandaura praised Adeniyi for identifying with the project and supporting its vision.
He noted that encouragement from professionals and institutions continues to strengthen the committee’s determination to complete the project successfully.
The inspection visit attracted Fellows and members of the NIPR Governing Council, officials of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, engineers, project committee members, and stakeholders across the communication sector.
Adeniyi assured participants that he would continue mobilising support for the project within and outside the profession.
