NUJ unveils National Security Summit, seeks stronger media-security collaboration

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to convene a National Security Summit aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

Speaking ahead of the summit, the President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, said the event, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” is designed to foster constructive engagement between journalists, security institutions, government officials and other stakeholders.

According to Yahya, the union’s decision to organise the summit is driven by the understanding that national security cannot be achieved by government institutions alone but requires the active participation of all sectors of society.

He noted that both the media and security agencies occupy strategic positions in shaping public opinion, promoting peace and safeguarding national stability.

“The media has a constitutional responsibility to inform, educate and hold authorities accountable, while security agencies play a critical role in protecting lives, maintaining peace and preserving the sovereignty of the nation. Their relationship must therefore be built on trust, professionalism and a shared commitment to national development,” he said.

The NUJ president explained that the summit would serve as a platform to examine emerging security concerns and explore practical ways to improve cooperation between journalists and security institutions.

Discussions at the event are expected to focus on responsible security reporting, combating misinformation and disinformation, balancing press freedom with national interest, improving access to credible information and strengthening communication channels between security agencies and the media.

Yahya stressed that a well-informed society is essential to a secure nation, urging journalists to continue reporting security issues with accuracy, balance and sensitivity.

He also called on security agencies to view the media as a vital partner in democratic governance and nation-building rather than as adversaries.

According to him, the summit is not intended to compromise the independence of the media or interfere with the operational responsibilities of security agencies. Instead, it seeks to promote dialogue, mutual understanding and a framework for collaboration that will ultimately benefit Nigerians.

The NUJ president expressed appreciation to stakeholders, including security institutions, government agencies, development partners and members of the media community, for supporting the initiative.

He further urged participants to approach the summit with open minds and a collective commitment to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Yahya reaffirmed the union’s dedication to promoting responsible journalism that strengthens democracy, advances national unity and contributes meaningfully to the country’s development.

He also called on media organisations and journalists across the country to support the initiative by creating awareness and ensuring that the objectives of the summit receive widespread public attention.