NIPR inaugurates committee to clamp down on quacks

In a significant move to uphold the standards of the public relations profession in Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has inaugurated the Compliance and Enforcement Committee. The committee, headed by General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), a former Director of Defence Information, is tasked with sanctioning individuals practicing public relations without the required certification.

During the inaugural meeting, General Olukolade emphasized the institute’s commitment to enforcing NIPR laws and practices at all levels. The committee aims to liaise with the institute’s council to establish Compliance and Enforcement Committees at the chapter level in all states.

One of the key strategies outlined by General Olukolade includes mobilizing and engaging in sensitization campaigns with stakeholders and the public. The committee also revealed plans to set up the NIPR Tribunal to prosecute those practicing public relations illegally without proper registration, as mandated by the NIPR Act.

Dr. Igwe Chibueze, the committee’s secretary, highlighted the terms of reference, emphasizing the establishment of functional monitoring and compliance teams in collaboration with state chapters. The committee aims to ensure nationwide monitoring and maximum compliance with the NIPR Act, identifying organizations that recruit non-members for appropriate actions.

Other members present at the inaugural meeting included prominent figures in the public relations field, such as Brig. General SK Usman (Rtd), Commodore Kabir Aliyu (Rtd), CP. Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd), Wilson Uwujaren, Chief Superintendent Abdullahi Maiwada, and others.

The NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, urged the committee members to be firm, decisive, and uncompromising in enforcing the 1990 NIPR Practitioners Act. The recent appointments of certified professionals, including serving security officers, are part of the institute’s response to the demand to rid the profession of unlicensed practitioners, also known as quacks.

Dr. Neliaku reminded organizations that Section 19(2) of the NIPR Act prohibits anyone from practicing public relations without certification, with appropriate punishments outlined for offenders. He announced that any new appointment of a non-registered member would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Defaulting organizations have been given a window between October and December 31, 2023, to ensure their appointees register and regularize with the institute. Full enforcement for this category of offenders will commence on January 1, 2024.

The NIPR has condemned the increasing trend of appointing non-registered persons as spokespersons, officers of public relations, corporate affairs, and public affairs, especially by government establishments. The Compliance and Enforcement Committee’s efforts align with the institute’s advocacy campaigns to rid the profession of unlicensed practitioners.

Effective information dissemination and management, as stressed by the Honourable Minister of Information and Strategy, Muhammed Idris, is crucial for achieving national peace and security. The committee calls for the dissemination of this important message to ensure broad awareness.