The warning was issued on Thursday during the 2026 World Public Relations Day celebration in Port Harcourt, organised by the Rivers State chapter of the institute in collaboration with Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NIPR Rivers State chapter, Rev. Francis Asuk, said only licensed and chartered members of the institute are legally qualified to practise public relations in Nigeria, urging aspiring communication professionals to obtain proper certification.
According to him, the growing presence of unqualified practitioners has contributed to widespread misunderstanding of the role of public relations and weakened confidence in the profession.
“We have observed that people who are not professionals, who are not chartered, who are not members, are secretly entering into the profession and creating confusion, creating all the wrong perceptions that sometimes come.
“If you are not a registered member of NIPR, you do not have the license to practice. And therefore, we encourage all those who want to be communication professionals, to properly register with the NIPR.”
Asuk explained that the institute has established a comprehensive framework that enables qualified professionals to register, undergo continuous training and practise in line with globally accepted ethical and professional standards.
Speaking on the 2026 World Public Relations Day theme, "The Golden Age of Strategic Public Relations," he said the theme reflects the expanding role of public relations in solving modern governance, business and development challenges.
“It also reminds us that public relations has evolved beyond publicity to become a strategic management function that builds trust, shapes perception, strengthens institutions, and fosters sustainable relationships between organizations and their stakeholders.”
He noted that strategic communication has become increasingly important in promoting transparency, strengthening public confidence and encouraging meaningful citizen participation in governance.
“As governments, businesses, and institutions navigate an increasingly dynamic communication environment, the deployment of strategic public relations has become essential for driving inclusion, managing reputation, mitigating conflict, and strengthening democratic governance.”
Asuk further urged public relations practitioners across Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region to play active roles in bridging communication gaps, fostering dialogue among stakeholders and supporting initiatives that promote peace, investment and sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor of Political Science at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Kenneth Nweke, said the profession has undergone significant transformation, shifting from traditional media relations and event management to strategic, transparent and technology-driven communication.
“Today’s public relations must focus on building trust for government, leadership and the business environment.”
Nweke also expressed concern over what he described as leadership and followership deficits in Nigeria, urging governments and institutions to rely on competent communication professionals rather than opportunists in managing public engagement.
In his goodwill message, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, said the 2026 theme reflects the profession's growing influence in leadership and decision-making across both public and private institutions.
“Public relations practitioners are now boardroom strategists, reputation architects, and custodians of institutional credibility, shaping decisions at the highest levels of governance and leadership.”
He added that public relations has evolved beyond a support function into a critical tool for national development, encouraging practitioners to uphold integrity, professionalism and trust in their engagements.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Okechukwu Onuchuku, who was represented by the university's Registrar, Dr Chinonye Ajie, commended the NIPR for choosing the institution to host the event and reaffirmed the university's commitment to supporting the institute's programmes and professional development initiatives.