The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has disclosed that it will commence a crackdown on quacks that have infiltrated the Public Relations profession with effect from April 1, 2024.
Director of Public Relations of the NIPR, Stanley Ogadigo, revealed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, adding that the decision was part of the Governing Council’s resolutions at its 106th meeting.
He said January 1 to March 31, 2024 have been given as a period of grace for public enlightenment and awareness before the full crackdown on April 1.
He said: “We arrived at the new date following interventions from various stakeholders across the country.
“The grace period is for those already appointed as Public Relations Officers (PROs) in various places, to see it as an opportunity to conclude their membership with us.
“From April 1, 2024, no organisation, whether government or private, will be allowed to use unqualified persons (none members of NIPR), as PRO.
“We want to enforce strict compliance of professionalism and excellence in Public Relations practice in Nigeria.
“All concerned are by this communication strongly encouraged to take advantage of this new window to conclude their membership processes to avoid prosecution of individual culprits and their employers, in accordance with the provisions of the NIPR Act.”
Ogadigo, therefore, urged individuals, organisations and employers of Public Relations Officers or managers willing to register with the institute or make enquiries to contact them on 0701 038 3277 or info@nipr.org.ng.
He said the NIPR Act Compliance and Enforcement Committee headed by retired General Chris Olukolade and the State Chapter Chairmen were working assiduously to ensure strict compliance to the institute’s directive.
