NUJ Rallies Security Chiefs, Media Leaders For Landmark Summit On National Security

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for deeper collaboration between the media and security agencies as it prepares to host a two-day National Security Summit to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and promote national development.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja ahead of the summit, scheduled to begin today, 18 June, NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, said the gathering was conceived to recognise that national security is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders. “Journalists and security agencies must work together to combat misinformation and strengthen national unity,’ Yahya said.

The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” is expected to bring together the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, Security Experts, Ministers and other top government officials, senior journalists, and development partners to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the media and security institutions.

Yahya said both the media and security agencies occupy strategic positions in shaping public discourse, maintaining peace and fostering national cohesion, stressing that a stronger partnership between the two sectors was essential for the country’s stability and progress.

“As the watchdog of society, the media has a constitutional responsibility to inform, educate and hold authorities accountable, while security agencies remain critical partners in protecting lives, maintaining peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation,” he said.

According to him, the relationship between journalists and security institutions must be anchored in mutual respect, professionalism, trust, and a shared commitment to the national interest.

The NUJ president explained that the summit would provide a platform for constructive engagement on critical issues, including responsible security reporting, combating misinformation and disinformation, balancing national security concerns with press freedom, improving access to credible information and enhancing collaboration between journalists and security agencies.

He emphasised that the union believes a well-informed society is a safer society and urged journalists to continue reporting security-related issues with accuracy, balance and sensitivity.

At the same time, he called on security agencies to recognise the media as an indispensable partner in democratic governance and nation-building.

Yahya dismissed concerns that the initiative could compromise media independence, insisting that the summit was designed to promote dialogue and mutual understanding rather than blur institutional boundaries.

“This summit is not intended to undermine the independence of the media or the operational responsibilities of security agencies. Rather, it is designed to deepen understanding, promote dialogue and establish a framework for cooperation that benefits Nigerians,” he stated.

The NUJ president disclosed that top government and security officials were expected to attend the summit, including the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, service chiefs, security experts, and several cabinet ministers.

He expressed optimism that the discussions would generate practical solutions to improve security communication and strengthen public confidence in both the media and security institutions.

Yahya also appealed to journalists across the country to support the initiative by creating public awareness about the summit and amplifying its objectives.

“We are expecting service chiefs, senior colleagues and security experts to talk to us about how we can work together to take our country to greater heights,” he said.

“It is our hope and prayer that we will continue to partner for the betterment of this country, and I believe together we can change the narrative.”