NSA Directorate seeks NUJ partnership to curb misinformation, protect critical infrastructure

The Directorate of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has sought collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to curb misinformation, promote responsible reporting and strengthen public awareness of critical national infrastructure.

The directorate’s delegation made the appeal during a familiarisation visit to the NUJ National Secretariat on October 9, 2026, where discussions focused on the role of journalists in protecting critical infrastructure, supporting national security and ensuring that the public receives accurate and verified information.

The delegation expressed concern over the spread of misleading information, particularly reports involving telecommunications companies and other service providers. It warned that inaccurate or unsubstantiated claims could misinform the public and undermine confidence in the country.

Leading the delegation, Director Air Vice Marshal Effiom urged journalists to uphold professional standards by conducting thorough investigations and verifying information before publication or broadcast.

He also called for the development of NUJ-led guidelines to guide media coverage of telecommunications companies and other critical service providers.

Responding, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, thanked the delegation for recognising the union as a strategic partner in advancing national security and the public interest.

Yahya assured the delegation of the NUJ’s willingness to collaborate with the directorate, stressing that responsible journalism remained essential to national development, public enlightenment and the promotion of the country’s collective interests.

He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting initiatives that would strengthen professional journalism and position journalists as agents of positive change in the media industry and the country at large.

Also speaking, NUJ National Secretary, Mr Achike Chude, emphasised the need for a clear framework to guide the proposed partnership.

Chude called for structured engagement between the union and the directorate, alongside capacity-building programmes to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills required to report effectively on critical national assets, infrastructure protection and related security matters.

The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to explore areas of mutual cooperation, with a shared commitment to promoting accurate, ethical and responsible journalism in support of national security and the public interest.