Building Nigeria’s image is everyone’s responsibility, says Oluboyede – Businessday NG

Taiwo Oluboyede, CEO of TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA, has urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility for building the country’s image, advising that the nation’s reputation cannot be left to government alone.

Oluboyede called on businesses, professionals, public institutions and all citizens to contribute to building a positive image of Nigeria through their actions, conduct and commitment to excellence.

Speaking at the Brand Nigeria Leadership Forum and Awards 2026 in Lagos recently, he said Nigerians often realise the importance of the country’s reputation when they travel abroad and experience how their nationality influences the way others perceive them.

He argued that promoting Nigeria should become a shared responsibility rather than an assignment reserved for politicians and government officials.

Oluboyede explained that a country’s reputation is shaped not only by publicity campaigns but also by the quality of its products, services and institutions.

“No slogan can compensate for poor service. No campaign can replace a visitor’s real experience,” he said, stressing that Nigeria must match its efforts to promote the country with improvements in the experiences people encounter.

He called on Nigerian businesses to deliver quality products and services, while urging citizens to demonstrate integrity, professionalism and respect in their daily interactions.

He noted that Nigeria’s music, films, fashion, literature and growing business enterprises offer opportunities to improve the country’s international standing.

The forum also presented the 2026 Top 50 Brands Nigeria ranking, which recorded 27 Nigerian-owned brands against 23 multinational brands for the first time.

Dangote Industries retained its position as Nigeria’s most valuable brand for the ninth consecutive year, while MTN Nigeria emerged as the country’s most popular brand.

Oluboyede said the growing strength of indigenous businesses demonstrated Nigeria’s potential but challenged corporate leaders to turn local recognition into international preference.

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