NUJ Holds Two-Day National Security Summit in Abuja to Strengthen Media-Security Collaboration By Raymond Enoch
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The summit, scheduled for June 18 and 19, 2026, will be held under the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.” It is expected to bring together top government officials, security chiefs, media executives, editors, civil society organisations, and other critical stakeholders from across the country.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, the summit is designed as a strategic platform for dialogue on enhancing cooperation between journalists and security institutions in safeguarding national security, managing information during crises, and strengthening public confidence in state institutions.
According to the statement, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour, while the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
The summit will be hosted by the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion.
Oyetunde noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront complex security threats, widespread misinformation, and growing public concern over safety and national stability.
She emphasized that structured engagement between journalists and security agencies has become increasingly important in improving crisis communication, curbing the spread of fake news, preventing unnecessary panic, and ensuring that citizens receive accurate, timely, and responsible information.
“The Security Summit is coming at a time when the country continues to grapple with complex security challenges, the spread of misinformation, and heightened public anxiety,” she stated.
Over the two-day event, participants will deliberate on key issues including responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information without compromising security operations, and the protection and safety of journalists covering security matters.
Other areas of focus include strategies for countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and respect between journalists and security personnel.
The programme will feature goodwill messages, a keynote presentation, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with heads of security agencies.
At the end of the summit, participants are expected to adopt a communiqué and develop an actionable framework to strengthen future engagement between the media and security institutions.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and safeguarding the welfare of journalists across the country.
The union also stressed that while the media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, it should also work constructively with security agencies in protecting lives, preserving national unity, and supporting democratic governance.
As Nigeria’s foremost umbrella body for practising journalists, the NUJ said it remains committed to advancing professional excellence and championing initiatives that contribute to peace, security, and national development.
