The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to convene a National Security Summit aimed at strengthening collaboration between media practitioners and security agencies in addressing the nation’s growing security challenges.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the summit, NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, said the initiative was informed by the recognition that national security is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” will bring together journalists, security experts, government officials and other key stakeholders to explore practical ways of enhancing cooperation between the media and security institutions for the benefit of the country.
According to Yahya, both the media and security agencies occupy strategic positions in promoting peace, shaping public discourse and strengthening national cohesion.
“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.
He stressed that the relationship between journalists and security institutions must be anchored on mutual respect, professionalism, trust and a shared commitment to the national interest.
The NUJ President explained that the summit would serve as a platform for constructive engagement on emerging security concerns and the role of the media in supporting efforts to build a safer and more stable society.
Among the key issues slated for discussion are responsible security reporting, combating misinformation and disinformation, improving access to credible information, protecting national interests and strengthening collaboration between journalists and security institutions.
Yahya noted that misinformation and disinformation continue to pose significant threats to public confidence and national stability, making accurate and responsible journalism more important than ever.
“The NUJ believes that a well-informed society is a safer society. Journalists must continue to report security matters with accuracy, balance and sensitivity, while security agencies must appreciate the media as an essential partner in democratic governance and national development,” he stated.
Addressing concerns that closer collaboration with security agencies could affect media independence, the NUJ President maintained that the summit was not designed to undermine press freedom or the constitutional role of journalists.
Rather, he said, the initiative seeks to deepen understanding, encourage dialogue and establish a framework for cooperation that respects both the operational responsibilities of security agencies and the independence of the media.
He expressed appreciation to stakeholders who have supported the initiative, including security institutions, government agencies, development partners and members of the media community.
As preparations continue for what he described as a historic gathering, Yahya called on participants to approach the summit with open minds and a shared commitment to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
The NUJ, he added, remains committed to promoting journalism that strengthens democracy, advances national unity and contributes meaningfully to nation building.
He also urged 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.
The National Security Summit is expected to provide a critical platform for dialogue at a time when Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges requiring coordinated responses from both state institutions and non-state actors.
