Dakuku Peterside Calls for Genuine Reputation Building in Nigeria

During a virtual engagement on Nigeria Reputation Day 2026, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, stated that Nigeria must earn its reputation through tangible results and institutional accountability. He warned that a damaged national image could discourage investment and undermine public trust.

Peterside emphasized that improving Nigeria's international image requires measurable improvements in governance and public service delivery, rather than mere publicity campaigns. He expressed concern that Nigeria's reputation has often been shaped by external narratives focusing on poverty, neglecting the country's cultural heritage and achievements.

He maintained that credibility is built on performance and that institutions must acknowledge failures and demonstrate genuine progress. Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, supported the establishment of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, criticizing government agencies for focusing on information dissemination instead of effective communication and strategic reputation management.