Nigeria secures three finalist spots at IPRA awards

Barbara Bako, Abuja.

Nigeria has earned three finalist nominations at the 2026 International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Golden World Awards, highlighting the increasing global recognition of the country’s strategic communication and public relations practice.

The shortlisted entries include communication campaigns developed for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC).

The nominations span the Corporate Communication, AI for Crisis Management, and Publication categories of the awards, which are regarded among the most prestigious honours in the public relations profession worldwide.

One of the finalist entries, titled “Reclaiming Public Trust in Nigeria’s Central Banking,” centres on communication efforts undertaken by the CBN following major monetary and foreign exchange reforms introduced by Governor Olayemi Cardoso.

The campaign focused on improving stakeholder engagement, enhancing transparency around monetary policy decisions, and strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s economic reform programme through targeted communication initiatives.

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Another shortlisted entry, “AI for Crisis Communication: From Study to Strategy,” emerged from research into the use of artificial intelligence in crisis communication and efforts to address misinformation, disinformation, and other digital threats.

The project contributed to the establishment of the Crisis Communication Hub, a platform designed to support fact-checking, monitor harmful narratives, and improve coordinated responses to emerging crises.

Organisers of the awards said the finalists were selected for demonstrating innovation, creativity, measurable results, and adherence to professional standards in public relations practice.

The nominated entries will now proceed to the final stage of evaluation by an international jury ahead of the 2026 IPRA Golden World Awards Ceremony scheduled to take place in Athens, Greece.

Observers say the recognition reflects the growing role of strategic communication in shaping public perception, supporting policy reforms, strengthening institutions, and addressing challenges posed by the rapidly evolving digital information environment.

Nigeria’s presence among the finalists also underscores the country’s expanding influence within the global public relations industry and its contribution to advancing professional communication practices.