By: Abdullahi Ibrahim
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to enhance transparency, effective communication, and public engagement on issues of internal security and citizenship integrity.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NUJ to the Ministry in Abuja, the Minister expressed appreciation for the Union’s continued engagement. He described the Ministry of Interior as “the Ministry of the people,” noting that its core mandate—citizenship integrity, internal security, border management, and the protection of national assets—directly impacts every Nigerian.
The Minister underscored the indispensable role of the media in democratic governance, stressing that government institutions cannot operate in isolation. “Where facts are not made available, assumptions take their place,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of proactive information dissemination in shaping public perception and strengthening trust in public institutions.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo described the relationship between the Ministry and the media as a strategic partnership anchored on accountability, transparency, and national interest. He welcomed the proposal for structured engagements, including regular press briefings and periodic interface sessions, stating that consistent communication would enable citizens to better understand reforms and innovations being implemented within the Ministry.
While commending the media for its balanced coverage of the Ministry’s activities, the Minister acknowledged that constructive criticism plays a vital role in institutional improvement. He noted that responsible journalism contributes to policy refinement, strengthens governance processes, and promotes informed public discourse.
Earlier, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahaya, accompanied by members of the National Executive Council and FCT Council, stated that the visit was aimed at fostering stronger institutional ties and exploring areas of collaboration. The NUJ leadership commended the Ministry’s reform initiatives in internal security and expressed its commitment to partnering with relevant agencies to promote national security awareness.
The Union proposed quarterly ministerial press briefings to provide Nigerians with direct updates on the Ministry’s activities and reforms. It also extended an invitation to the Minister to address its forthcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, describing the engagement as an opportunity to further enlighten stakeholders on ongoing policy directions and achievements.
In addition, the NUJ sought collaboration in capacity development through its training institute, with a focus on equipping journalists with a deeper understanding of security reporting, national interest considerations, and responsible information dissemination.
Both parties agreed that sustained dialogue and structured engagement are essential to strengthening public confidence, promoting national cohesion, and ensuring that citizens remain well-informed about matters affecting internal security and governance.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to institutional collaboration in the service of the Nigerian people.
