Olukolade, Mba, Afunanya to Lead Compliance, Enforcement of NIPR Act

 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has appointed Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd), Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mba and Dr. Peter Afunanya to lead its compliance and enforcement committee.

“The appointment made up of thoroughbred professionals is part of the Governing Council’s response to the growing demand by certified public relations practitioners to rid the profession of unlicensed interlopers, otherwise known as quacks,” a statement from the body said.

Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, the President of the Institute, Dr. Ike Neliaku, charged members to be firm, decisive and uncompromising in enforcing to the fullest, the content of the 1990 NIPR Practitioners Act, now Cap N114 Laws of the Federation, 2004.

“For emphasis, the Act in section 19 (2) prohibits any person from practising public relations without certification from the NIPR, and in same section 19 (4a & b) prescribes appropriate punishments for offenders, which include fine, imprisonment or both,” he noted.

He said that with the inauguration of the NIPR Act Compliance Committee, any fresh appointment of a non-registered member of the institute will be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the law.

He called on defaulting organisations to ensure that the appointees register and regularise with the institute before December 31, 2023 as the full enforcement regime for the category of offenders will commence from  January 1, 2024.