By: Aishatu Shalangwa
A high-powered delegation from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Wednesday met with the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to advocate for stronger collaboration and enhanced safety for journalists covering internal security operations.
The delegation, led by NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, was on a familiarisation visit to the ministry. The President appreciated the minister for the forum and, on behalf of Nigerian journalists, applauded the ministry's efforts in executing projects and programmes under the internal security administration.
Comrade Yahya stated that the aim of the visit was to strengthen the working relationship between the ministry and the NUJ, and to integrate rapid development information in order to take the country to greater heights. He noted that journalists had been tracking the ministry's achievements, particularly in creating more visibility for the country and positioning it positively in the area of internal security.
The NUJ President also invited the minister to the union's upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) quarterly briefings. According to him, the essence is to showcase what the minister has accomplished in the past three years and to enlighten the public on the works the ministry does in this regard.
Yahya emphasised the need for a collaborative framework, stressing that issues of internal and national security, as well as national interest, are a key concern to NUJ leaders. "Our members are often the first responders to crises. We are here to build a partnership," he said. He also proposed quarterly press briefings with various ministries to keep the public informed, promising to provide a communiqué after each briefing for public consumption.
Additionally, he called for support in capacity building for journalists, especially through the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), to improve their skills on security reportage.
In his response, the Minister commended the union for its self-regulation efforts and pledged the ministry's support. While appreciating the NUJ delegation, he highlighted some achievements of the ministry, including dealing with citizens' integrity, citizenship matters, internal security, and border control.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo admitted that the ministry cannot function in isolation without the media. "We see this as a marriage made in heaven; we just have to work together. That's the truth," he said. He pledged to carry out his responsibility to ensure effective communication and dissemination of information to Nigerians.
"Most times, if people are not told what is happening, whatever they assume would be seen as what is right. You cannot blame them for the assumption when facts are not on the table," the Minister explained. He welcomed the idea of regular interface and briefings, noting that people have the right to know.
He assured the delegation of the ministry's readiness to collaborate, support capacity building, and work together for synergy, describing journalists as the "voice of the voiceless."
The meeting, which was described as cordial, concluded with an agreement to establish a joint working committee to address the concerns raised and foster regular dialogue between the ministry and the fourth estate of the realm. The event ended with a group photograph.
