Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa are set to lead discussions at the maiden edition of the National Citizens’ Engagement Forum on security being hosted by the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
The Forum is an initiative of VON aimed at fostering inclusive dialogue between security agencies and the Nigerian public. It is also in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises citizen engagement and participatory governance.
According to a statement by the Director General/CEO of VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Minister of Information and National Orientation will serve as the chief host and deliver the opening address at the forum. The NSA will chair the occasion, while the CDS will attend as special guest of honour.
The event is expected to bring together key stakeholders from across the country, including security chiefs, civil society organisations, academia, youth groups, media professionals, as well as traditional and religious leaders.
The Director General of VON will deliver the opening remarks, setting the context for what he described as “a citizen-centric dialogue aimed at rebuilding public trust and enhancing collaboration between the government and the people on security matters.”
The forum will feature two panel discussions. The first, titled “Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Citizens’ Trust in Security Institutions”, will examine the strained relationship between citizens and Nigeria’s security architecture. The second session, “From Awareness to Action: Civic Responsibility in Times of Crisis”, will focus on the role of citizens, civil society, and the media in strengthening national security through proactive engagement.
In addition, a dedicated open feedback session will allow ordinary Nigerians to directly interact with policymakers and security leaders—an unprecedented move in Nigeria’s approach to national dialogue on security.
All arms of the country’s security architecture are expected to participate in the forum, including the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, paramilitary agencies, and civil-military relations stakeholders. The forum will also include representation from community leaders and grassroots organisations, making it a truly pan-Nigerian engagement.
The event will conclude with the adoption of a post-event communiqué that will outline actionable strategies and serve as a policy guide for improving citizen-security agency collaboration.
Voice of Nigeria added that the forum signals a new chapter in public engagement, reaffirming its transformation from Nigeria’s external broadcaster to a strategic national platform amplifying voices at home and abroad.
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