The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to hold a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja on June 18 and 19, 2026, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the media and security agencies in the collective pursuit of national peace, stability, and development.
The summit, with the theme “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” is designed to provide a strategic platform for meaningful engagement on the role of journalists and security operatives in addressing the nation’s security concerns, improving crisis communication, and fostering public trust in key institutions.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, and the Secretary, Comrade Abu Nmodu, the union said the event will bring together top government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society organisations, and other critical stakeholders from across the country.
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. The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will serve as Chairman of the occasion.
The organisers noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to face evolving security threats, widespread misinformation, and growing public concern over safety and national stability.
They stressed that structured and sustained engagement between the media and security institutions has become imperative in promoting effective information management during crises, combating fake news, reducing public panic, and ensuring that citizens have access to accurate, timely, and responsible information.
Over the two-day event, participants will deliberate on a wide range of issues, including responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts, access to credible information and official briefings, handling sensitive information without jeopardizing security operations, the protection and safety of journalists on security assignments, strategies for countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as ways of building mutual trust and respect between journalists and security personnel.
The summit will feature goodwill messages, a keynote presentation, panel discussions, technical and breakout sessions, interactive engagements with security chiefs, and experience-sharing sessions by frontline reporters covering security and conflict-related issues.
At the end of the summit, participants are expected to adopt a Communique and develop a practical framework to guide future collaboration between the media and security agencies.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and advancing the welfare and safety of journalists across the country. The union also emphasized that while the media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, it equally has a responsibility to work constructively with security agencies in protecting lives, preserving national unity, and strengthening democratic governance.
As the umbrella body for practising journalists in Nigeria, the NUJ remains committed to championing policies and programmes that promote professional excellence and contribute to peace, security, and national development.(Independent Voice)
