The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) successfully hosted its May 2026 PR Clinic, providing a strategic masterclass for professionals looking to transition from practitioners to business owners.
The virtual session, held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, was themed “Starting and Running a PR Firm from Ground Zero.” Powered by the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), the clinic featured Hassan Abdul, mnipr, arpa, Lead Consultant/CEO of Drawbridge CM Limited and General Secretary of PRCAN, as the keynote facilitator.
Drawing from over two decades of experience, Abdul emphasized that technical proficiency in Public Relations does not automatically translate to business success. He urged participants to bridge the gap between “service delivery” and “organizational leadership.”
”Building a successful PR consultancy is a marathon, not a sprint,” Abdul stated. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to adopt a gradual transition strategy to minimize risks, noting that true growth comes when a leader shifts focus from day-to-day technical tasks to CEO-level responsibilities such as business development, financial management, and organizational culture.
To survive the competitive B2B landscape, Abdul highlighted several non-negotiable pillars for any new firm:
Financial Discipline: Engaging competent finance personnel and maintaining a “financial runway” of at least six months.
Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Utilizing proper contracts, professional indemnity insurance, and adhering to industry standards.
Value over Friendships: Moving away from friendship-based discounts toward a model built on measurable value and professional fees.
Technological Integration: Investing in modern tools and systems to drive efficiency.
A major highlight of the clinic was the introduction of a practical 90-day roadmap designed to stabilize a new consultancy. The framework covers critical phases including business registration, team development, brand positioning, and the strategic pursuit of long-term retainer clients.
The session also addressed the importance of professional affiliation. Abdul clarified the distinctions between individual NIPR memberships and PRCAN corporate memberships, encouraging practitioners to integrate into the consultancy ecosystem to enhance their visibility and credibility.
The May PR Clinic reinforces Lagos NIPR’s commitment to the professional development of its members, ensuring they are not only masters of communication but also viable contributors to Nigeria’s economic landscape.
About Lagos NIPR:
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is the premier branch of the professional body for public relations practitioners in Nigeria. It is dedicated to achieving the highest standards of professional excellence in the communication industry.
Signed:
Oguchukwu Okeke, PhD
Public Relations Officer, Lagos NIPR
