NIPR Announces Stringent Measures Against Unregistered Public Relations Practitioners
ABUJA/Nigeria: General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), Chairman of the Compliance and Enforcement Committee of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has unveiled a robust strategy aimed at penalizing individuals operating in public relations without the mandatory certification stipulated by pertinent laws.
The disclosure took place during the inaugural session of the committee, which convened top-tier public relations practitioners representing sectors such as security, paramilitary, public service, and the private sphere. General Olukolade, a former Director Defence Information (DDI), emphasized the institute’s determination to institute comprehensive structures across all levels for the effective implementation of NIPR laws. This included collaborating with the institute’s council to establish Compliance and Enforcement Committees at the chapter level in all states.
“We are gearing up not only for awareness campaigns involving diverse stakeholders and the public but also for the establishment of the NIPR Tribunal. Its purpose will be to prosecute individuals practicing PR without proper registration, as mandated by the NIPR Act,” stated General Olukolade.
Furthermore, he outlined imminent initiatives such as the monitoring of advertisements and recruitment pertaining to public relations practices, intending to instigate legal proceedings against individuals and corporate entities found breaching the NIPR Act.
Dr. Igwe Chibueze, the Committee’s secretary, detailed their terms of reference, emphasizing collaboration with state chapters to establish robust monitoring teams. These teams aim to ensure nationwide compliance with the NIPR Act, identify organizations employing non-NIPR members for appropriate action, and seek support from regulatory bodies regarding employment and contracts for PR roles.
The committee’s inaugural meeting boasted the presence of distinguished members, including former Army, Navy, and Police Spokespersons Brig. General SK Usman (Rtd), Commodore Kabir Aliyu (Rtd), CP. Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd) respectively, among others from various professional bodies and government agencies.
Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of NIPR, urged committee members to uphold the 1990 NIPR Practitioners Act rigorously. He highlighted the appointment of seasoned professionals, including serving security officers, as part of the Governing Council’s response to the clamor from certified practitioners to purge the field of unlicensed practitioners.
Expressing dissatisfaction with government bodies appointing non-registered individuals to PR roles, Neliaku emphasized the Act’s provisions prohibiting such actions and unveiled stringent measures for non-compliance starting January 1, 2024.
He implored defaulting organizations to ensure registration and regularization of their appointees by December 31, 2023, warning of legal repercussions for non-compliance.
The NIPR, through extensive advocacy campaigns, continues to educate the public on the Act’s provisions, aiming to curtail the rising trend of unauthorized PR practices within government agencies.
For the full adherence and compliance with the NIPR Act, the Compliance and Enforcement Committee remains steadfast in its mission to regulate the public relations landscape, ensuring that only certified practitioners operate within the legal framework established by the institute.
