The Kano State Government has announced plans to register all Information Officers in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the 44 Local Government Areas, with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a move which aligns with the legal framework regulating public relations practice in Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, made this known while receiving the executive members of the NIPR, Kano chapter who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
He emphasized the need for Information Officers to be registered with professional bodies to enhance service delivery. “As custodians of public information, it is crucial for our officers to be professionally certified for efficiency and adherence to best practices,” he stated.
Waiya further explained that the Ministry has been working towards strengthening the capacity of Information Officers attached to MDAs and Local Governments.
He assured that beyond registration, the partnership between the Ministry and the NIPR would continue in the areas of training and retraining for improved information management in the state.
Speaking during the visit, a Council Member of the NIPR, Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Editors for Kano and Jigawa states, reiterated that the NIPR is the legally recognized regulatory body for public relations practice in Nigeria.
Dr. Sule noted that practicing public relations without NIPR certification is a violation of the law, urging the Commissioner to ensure that all Information Officers in the state comply with this requirements.
He also assured that the institute is ready to facilitate an induction program in Kano for the convenience of the officers.
In his remark, the Chairman of the NIPR Kano State Chapter, Aliyu Yusuf, congratulated Comrade Waiya on his appointment, describing it as well-deserved. He prayed for his successful tenure and pledged the institute’s continued support for the Ministry’s initiatives.
