NUJ TO HOST LANDMARK NATIONAL SECURITY SUMMIT ON MEDIA–SECURITY COLLABORATION IN ABUJA
… Defence Minister, NSA, DSS DG, Information Minister, Media Executives and Security Chiefs to Chart New Course for National Security0 Communication
Chioma Vivian James
The Nigeria Union of Journalists is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja on June 18 and 19, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national peace, security and development.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” will bring together senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media proprietors, editors, journalists, civil society organizations and other critical stakeholders to explore practical ways of enhancing cooperation in the national interest.
According to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Abimbola Oyetunde, the summit is conceived as a strategic platform for meaningful dialogue between journalists and security institutions at a time when Nigeria faces increasingly complex security challenges, rising incidents of misinformation and disinformation, and growing public demand for credible and timely information.
Oyetunde explained that the gathering will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine how both sectors can work more effectively as partners in safeguarding national stability, strengthening public trust in institutions and improving communication during times of crisis.
The Organising Committee Secretary, Abu Nmodu, noted that the summit underscores the critical role of responsible journalism in promoting national security and social cohesion. He emphasized that the media and security agencies share a common responsibility in ensuring that citizens receive accurate information without compromising ongoing security operations or national interests.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour, while the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, will deliver the keynote address.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion.
The organisers said discussions during the summit will focus extensively on the challenges and opportunities that exist at the intersection of journalism and national security. Participants will deliberate on how journalists can report security operations, conflicts and emergencies responsibly while balancing the public’s right to know with the need to protect sensitive operational information.
The summit will also examine ways of improving access to credible information through regular official briefings and enhanced communication channels between security institutions and the media. Deliberations are expected to address concerns relating to the safety and protection of journalists covering conflict zones and security beats, as well as strategies for combating misinformation, propaganda, fake news and hate speech, which continue to pose serious threats to national stability.
In addition, participants will explore practical measures for building mutual trust, respect and understanding between journalists and security personnel, with a view to fostering a more constructive working relationship capable of supporting peacebuilding efforts, crisis management and democratic governance.
The two-day event will feature goodwill messages, keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, interactive engagements and first-hand accounts from journalists who have covered major security and conflict situations across the country. Security chiefs and media experts will also participate in question-and-answer sessions designed to encourage frank discussions and the exchange of ideas.
At the conclusion of the summit, participants are expected to adopt a comprehensive communiqué and develop a framework for sustained engagement between the media and security agencies, with clear recommendations aimed at improving information management, public communication and national security outcomes.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professional excellence and ensuring the welfare and safety of journalists. The union stressed that while the media must continue to hold institutions accountable, it also has a vital role to play in protecting lives, preserving national unity and supporting democratic development.
As Nigeria’s umbrella body for practising journalists, the NUJ remains committed to championing policies and programmes that strengthen professionalism, enhance national security awareness and contribute meaningfully to peace, stability and sustainable national development.
