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By Daniel Adaji
The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizens’ confidence in governance.
Speaking at the formal signing ceremony in Abuja, the Director-General of BPSR, Mr. Dasuki Arabi, described the partnership as a turning point in institutional synergy.
“It gives me great pleasure to address this important gathering as we witness the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR),” he said.
He commended the leadership of NIPR under Dr. Ike Neliaku, noting, “whose visionary leadership continues to drive professionalism and credibility in public communication across Nigeria.”
Arabi explained that the collaboration builds on earlier engagement between the two institutions.
“Today’s event builds upon the collaborative engagement between our two institutions barely a month ago, where we resolved to work together in advancing reforms through strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and public trust. This MoU is therefore not just a formality, it is a clear commitment to institutional synergy and national progress,” he said.
The DG stressed the importance of carrying citizens along in the reform process.
“The Bureau of Public Service Reforms recognizes that reforms cannot thrive in silence. Citizens must not only be informed, but also carried along, if government is to succeed in building a service that is transparent, accountable, and people-centred,” he stated.
Arabi added that the partnership will strengthen institutional credibility and foster national development.
“By this partnership, BPSR and NIPR will harness their respective strengths in policy reform and professional communication to strengthen the credibility of public institutions and enhance citizens’ confidence in governance,” he said.
On his part, Registrar of NIPR, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, pledged full commitment to the agreement.
“I want to say that we are very happy to be here and at the stage where we are now for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement. I want to start by pledging the commitment of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to execute this agreement to its letter and even go beyond,” he said.
Onyegbadue outlined key areas of focus in the MoU. “First is the two areas of focus in the agreement. We have to do with the training of CEOs of agencies. Second is a measurement tool to assess strategic communication in government agencies,” he noted.
He also assured of NIPR’s readiness to support rebranding efforts in the public service and capture citizens’ feedback on reforms.
“On the issue of rebranding the public service, if you invite us, we’ll be back here The other one that has to do with citizens’ feedback on public service reforms, I also want to place that we are valuable to deliver on that anytime we are called upon,” Onyegbadue said.
The Registrar further lauded BPSR’s leadership, saying, “I want to say with all sincerity that a lot has been done by your bureau, led by Dr. Arabi, who we respect and we honour.”
He pledged to recommend Arabi for an honourary fellowship of the Institute, stressing, “I don’t think it will take more than one hour to conclude my recommendation for his honourary fellowship. That I will do in my capacity as the registrar and secretary to council. Then I’ll leave the rest for the council and the presidency.”
Both institutions reaffirmed their resolve to make reform not an abstract idea but a practical step toward building a more effective and trusted public service.