Communications expert Ndubueze Naomi has called on government bodies to adopt strategic communication practices from the private sector in order to rebuild credibility and public trust.
Speaking from her extensive experience handling communication strategies across both public and private projects, including the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and the C40 Cities Climate event, Naomi lamented the continued silence of many government agencies despite internal progress.
According to her, “The silence must end. Nigeria’s institutions must learn to speak, not just in policy memos, but in stories that resonate. Because if they don’t shape their narratives, someone else will, and that’s a risk we can’t afford.”
Naomi pointed out that while the private sector has mastered the art of storytelling, consistent messaging, and public engagement, many public institutions continue to treat communication as an afterthought something she described as a costly mistake.
“In a world where narratives move faster than facts, the institutions that stay invisible lose relevance,” she said, stressing that Nigerians today crave not just results but visibility, transparency, and human connection.
She advocated that government agencies embrace communication as a fundamental aspect of their operations, highlighting the need for media campaigns, relatable content, influencer collaboration, and consistent public updates.
“Private brands understand that visibility builds credibility. They invest in it. Public bodies must start doing the same,” Naomi added.
She urged agencies to “think like brands,” not by masking their flaws, but by being proactive in sharing progress, addressing concerns, and engaging citizens in a language they understand.
The communication specialist warned that continued silence would only deepen public frustration and create room for misinformation to thrive.
With this call to action, Ndubueze Naomi joins a growing chorus of voices urging Nigerian public institutions to step up their engagement, own their narratives, and bridge the widening perception gap between government and citizens.
