BPSR, IMPR Push MDAs to Embrace Responsible AI, Stronger Communication
The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) have called on heads of federal ministries, departments and agencies to embrace responsible artificial intelligence, strengthen strategic communication and improve inter‑agency collaboration to accelerate public service reforms and enhance service delivery across government institutions.
The call was made at the end of a two‑day leadership training and bootcamp for directors‑general, executive secretaries, board members and chief executives of federal MDAs. The programme, themed “Leading Public Service in a Transforming World,” was held in Kano from October 12 to 13, 2026.
Declaring the training open, BPSR Director‑General Dr. Ibrahim Arabi Dasuki said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda of engaging public and private sector stakeholders to improve the quality and efficiency of service delivery. He said the programme provided an opportunity to review progress in public service reforms, identify achievements and challenges, and develop practical strategies to close existing gaps.
Dasuki emphasised that agency heads play a decisive role in reform implementation, especially in a rapidly digitising environment where emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are reshaping public administration. He said the training was designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to collaborate effectively, engage citizens and translate government policies into practical solutions.
“BPSR develops and communicates the reforms, while their implementation rests on the shoulders of the executives across the MDAs,” he said.
IMPR Chief Executive Officer Malam Yushau Shuaib said technological advancements have transformed the communication landscape, enabling information to spread rapidly through digital platforms. He urged institutional leaders to leverage both traditional and digital channels to communicate clearly, reach target audiences and improve public understanding of government policies.
Shuaib stressed that effective strategic communication is essential for addressing public concerns, strengthening institutional credibility and achieving organisational objectives.
IMPR Board Chairman Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, who served as a facilitator, said crises can emerge at any time and affect any institution. He advised agency heads to establish preventive measures, build response mechanisms and consistently safeguard their institutions’ public image and reputation.
Read Also:
One of the participants, Director‑General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, commended the organisers, describing the training as a bridge between theory and practical experience. He recommended extending similar programmes to state and local government officials to deepen reform implementation across all tiers of government.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the bootcamp, participants called for stronger leadership commitment to government reforms, responsible digital transformation, evidence‑based policymaking and effective communication with citizens. They identified weak management commitment and inadequate compliance with established policies as major obstacles to reform implementation.
Participants noted that while emerging technologies offer significant opportunities for improving public administration, government institutions must adopt AI ethically and responsibly to enhance productivity and service delivery. They also highlighted inadequate digital infrastructure, weak data management, poor inter‑agency coordination and limited crisis‑communication capacity as urgent challenges.
To address these gaps, the communiqué urged MDAs to maintain functional, secure and regularly updated websites to provide citizens with timely information on government policies and services. It also recommended strengthening communication units across government institutions to improve media relations, public engagement and reputation management.
Expressing concern over the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, participants warned that information disorder could undermine public trust and distort government messaging. They called on MDAs to develop and regularly review crisis‑communication plans to ensure timely, accurate and coordinated responses to emergencies and reputational challenges.
The communiqué further advocated stronger inter‑agency collaboration to prevent conflicting messages, minimise duplication of efforts and improve coordinated implementation of government policies. Participants also recommended continuous professional development in leadership, digital literacy, AI, data management, strategic communication and crisis management.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) was urged to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to improve citizens’ understanding of government policies and reforms.
The bootcamp featured expert presentations, interactive discussions and practical demonstrations by communication scholars, public relations practitioners, media professionals, technology and AI specialists, fact‑checkers and policy experts.
Participating institutions included the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB), among others.
By PRNigeria
