The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to host a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in addressing the nation\'s security challenges.
The summit, scheduled for June 18 and 19, 2026, is themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.” It is expected to bring together senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society groups and other stakeholders from across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, the union said the summit would serve as a high-level platform for dialogue on enhancing cooperation between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding national stability and development.
According to the statement, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour, while the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, will deliver the keynote address.
The National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the event, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, is expected to chair the occasion.
Oyetunde noted that the summit is coming at a time when Nigeria is grappling with complex security challenges, the spread of misinformation and heightened public concern over security issues.
She said the engagement would focus on improving crisis communication, countering fake news and ensuring that citizens receive accurate and timely information during emergencies and security operations.
The statement said participants would deliberate on issues including responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts, access to credible information, management of sensitive information, and the safety of journalists covering security beats.
Other topics to be discussed include strategies for combating disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as ways of fostering mutual trust and respect between journalists and security personnel.
The summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, interactive engagements with security chiefs and experience-sharing sessions by frontline reporters.
At the end of the meeting, participants are expected to adopt a communiqué and develop a framework to guide future engagement between the media and security institutions.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, professional ethics and the welfare of journalists, stressing that the media has a critical role to play in promoting national unity, peace and democratic governance.
The union added that it would continue to champion initiatives that enhance professional excellence and contribute to security and national development across the country.(Gist E-Newspaper)
