The Niger State Local Government Service Commission has suspended a proposed training programme for Local Government Information Officers and Assistants following a formal objection by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
In a letter addressed to the Commission and signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, the NIPR stated that the planned training—originally scheduled for Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd July 2025—violates the NIPR Act.
According to the Institute, the consulting firm slated to conduct the training is neither a corporate member of the NIPR nor is its owner registered with the Institute. This, the letter noted, contravenes CAP 114, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004), which mandates the NIPR to regulate public relations practice and training in the country.
The NIPR further warned that engaging unregistered consultants not only promotes illegality and quackery but also undermines the integrity of the profession. It emphasized that only registered members of the Institute are legally authorized to practice or conduct PR-related training in Nigeria.
The letter, which was also copied to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Secretary to the State Government, the Inspector General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, cautioned that failure to comply with the NIPR Act could lead to legal consequences, including prosecution.
Following the receipt of the letter, the Commission convened an emergency meeting and resolved to suspend the planned training.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Niger State Chapter of NIPR, Mallam Mahmud Abdullahi, commended the Commission’s decision, describing it as a demonstration of the government’s responsiveness and a commitment to due process and professionalism in public service.
