The Public Affairs Department (PAD) was established in June 2022 by the Director-General, Prof. Omotayo. Prior to its establishment, the National Institute operated the Advancement and Linkages Unit as well as the Protocol Unit. However, the creation of PAD as a department brought together the Advancement and Linkages and Protocol Units, in addition to three other units, namely: Public Relations, Media Relations, and the Multimedia Unit. Following this convergence, each of the five units was headed by a Unit Head with clearly defined responsibilities, operating under the supervision and coordination of the Head of the Department.
Over time, the Advancement and Linkages Unit and the Protocol Unit were subsequently removed from the department following the establishment of the AANI Desk Office in Abuja to oversee the Advancement and Linkages, while Protocol Unit was transferred to the Administration Directorate. Consequently, the Department now comprises the Public Relations Unit, Media Relations Unit and Multimedia Unit/NIPSS Television as its core units. These units ensure the voice of the Institute is heard on issues that bothers on its mandate, its image accurately presented/projected real-time with evidential facts particularly with the NIPSS TV.
Units in Public Affairs Department
Public Relations Unit
The Public Relations Unit is responsible for managing all issues related to the Institute's image, both internally and externally. The unit is popularly referred to as the “Voice of the National Institute.” It handles official correspondence between the Institute and its stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organisations, donors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and development partners.
Media Relations Unit
The Media Relations Unit is concerned with managing the Institute's engagement with the media. It mobilises media organisations to cover all events organised by the National Institute and ensures that such events receive wide publicity. The unit is also responsible for issuing press releases, organising press conferences, and coordinating media award nights or programmes organised by the Institute in honour of media houses that have projected the Institute positively. In addition, it monitors media content across print, broadcast, and social media platforms to ensure effective information control and timely response to negative reportage.
Multimedia Unit
The Multimedia Unit is responsible for all internal media coverage of the Institute's programmes. It assigns camera personnel to cover daily Senior Executive Course (SEC) lectures as well as other short courses conducted at the National Institute. The unit also stores and manages the Institute's digital assets and information. Furthermore, it operates NIPSS TV as the Institute's internal media arm, providing coverage of institutional programmes and hosting discussions on key policy issues and other areas of national importance. The unit invites technocrats and subject-matter experts to discuss critical issues within their areas of competence.
Leadership of PAD
The pioneer Head of the Public Affairs Department was Prof. Sola Adeyanju, mni, who nurtured the affairs of the department from its inception in 2022 until February 2025, when he proceeded to higher responsibilities. The department is currently headed by Dr. Sandra Agbor, who assumed office a few months ago. The department is currently headed by Dr. Samuel Osime, mni.