Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged public relations practitioners in Nigeria to communicate government reforms and policies in a clear and simple manner that builds public trust and understanding.
He made the call on Tuesday in Kaduna during the 3rd Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Week, held under the theme “Food Security: From Policy Paper to Public Plate,” and hosted by Governor Uba Sani.
Shettima said government policies can only succeed when citizens clearly understand their purpose and benefits, stressing that effective communication is essential to building confidence in governance.
According to him, public relations is now a strategic part of governance, as it helps manage uncertainty, build trust, and ensure that reforms are properly understood by the public.
He noted that policies must not only be well designed but also clearly explained in a way that translates technical language into messages that ordinary citizens can relate to.
The Vice President emphasized that communication should address the concerns of everyday Nigerians, including farmers, traders, and households, so that government initiatives are properly understood at the grassroots level.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to address food security, including the declaration of a state of emergency on food insecurity, deployment of 2,000 tractors, creation of a ₦100 billion agricultural fund, expansion of dry-season farming, input subsidies, and partnerships to boost agricultural investment.
Shettima explained that these initiatives would only be meaningful if they translate into real improvements in food availability and affordability for households across the country.
He urged PR professionals to uphold ethics, professionalism, and fact-based communication, while assuring them of the administration’s willingness to collaborate in strengthening public understanding of government policies.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the Vice President as a strong supporter of President Tinubu and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving agriculture through increased budgetary allocation to enhance food security.
The President of the African Public Relations Association, Arik Karani, also commended Nigeria’s progress in governance communication and praised improvements in visa processing and airport procedures.
A keynote speaker, Dr Brahim Chisunge, noted that while Nigeria has significant agricultural potential, better policy implementation is needed to fully achieve food security goals.
The event also featured the commissioning of the Brigadier Abba Kyari Banquet Hall in Kaduna, which Shettima described as a symbol of institutional strength and governance development.
