Insecurity: NUJ Hosts National Summit to Strengthen Media-Security Collaboration

The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has announced plans for a National Security Summit aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the summit, Yahya said the event, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” was conceived in recognition of the fact that national security is a collective responsibility requiring the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders.

According to him, both the media and security institutions play strategic roles in shaping public discourse, promoting peace, and fostering national cohesion, making collaboration between the two sectors essential for sustainable national development.

“The media, as the watchdog of society, 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 the nation,” he said.

The NUJ President noted that the summit would serve as a platform for constructive engagement among journalists, security experts, government officials, and other stakeholders to examine emerging security threats and explore practical ways to improve cooperation between media practitioners and security institutions.

He disclosed that discussions at the summit would focus on responsible security reporting, combating misinformation and disinformation, balancing national security concerns with press freedom, improving access to credible information, and strengthening communication channels between journalists and security agencies.

Yahya emphasized that the union believes a well-informed society is a safer society, stressing the need for journalists to report security-related issues with accuracy, professionalism, and sensitivity.

He also urged security agencies to recognize the media as a vital partner in democratic governance, transparency, and national development.

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

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

He called on stakeholders and prospective participants to approach the summit with a shared commitment to building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.

Yahya further appealed to journalists across the country to support the initiative by creating public awareness and ensuring that the objectives of the summit receive widespread attention.

He reaffirmed the NUJ’s commitment to promoting responsible journalism that strengthens democracy, advances national unity, and contributes meaningfully to nation-building.