By George Ozalla
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has called for stronger collective backing towards the completion of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) National Secretariat project in Abuja, insisting that the public relations profession deserves a national edifice that reflects its contribution to nation-building and commands national pride.
Adeniyi made the appeal on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, shortly after inspecting the ongoing construction of the NIPR National Secretariat, also known as Public Relations Place, situated within the premises of Radio House, Garki, Abuja. He expressed satisfaction with the level of work achieved so far, noting that the profession has played a significant role in shaping public communication, institutional growth, and professional development across Nigeria.
He said the time had come for practitioners, institutions, and stakeholders to unite in ensuring the successful completion of the project, stressing that the initiative represents more than a building but a symbol of identity for the profession.
“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,” Adeniyi said.
He described the project as a landmark development for the communication sector, expressing confidence in the leadership of the Institute and the project committee handling the construction. According to him, the determination shown so far reflects the seriousness required to deliver a structure worthy of the profession’s national standing.
“This is very commendable. There is still a long way to go, but we have the right people to drive this project to completion,” he stated.
The Customs boss also appealed to corporate organisations, government institutions, and friends of the profession to contribute towards the timely completion of the secretariat, especially as Nigeria prepares to host the World Public Relations Forum later in the year. He noted that the facility, once completed, would serve as a fitting representation of Nigeria’s presence in the global public relations community.
“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.
Adeniyi further assured that he would continue to mobilise support for the project across professional and institutional circles, reaffirming his commitment to its realisation. He is a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations and the immediate past Vice President of the Institute.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Muhammad Bulama, described the project as a significant milestone for the public relations and communication sector in Nigeria, noting that Radio Nigeria’s decision to provide land for the development was anchored on the Institute’s relevance to national communication and development.
Bulama said the corporation initially approached the project with caution, recalling the presence of an abandoned structure that previously occupied the site, but said the pace of development had since changed perceptions.
“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 continued involvement and support for the Institute, describing it as consistent and impactful in advancing the project.
“I want to particularly thank the Comptroller-General of Customs for his support for this institution. He has remained deeply committed to this project,” Bulama stated.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations and Chairman of the Project Committee, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, said the leadership of the Institute remains fully committed to delivering a befitting national secretariat for the profession. He received the Customs boss on behalf of the President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ike Neliaku.
Dandaura commended Adeniyi for aligning with the vision of the project and for his sustained encouragement, adding that such support from senior professionals and institutions has continued to strengthen the resolve of the committee to complete the structure as planned.
The inspection visit was attended by Fellows and members of the NIPR Governing Council, officials of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, engineers and members of the project committee, as well as other stakeholders within the communication and public relations sector.
