By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja from June 18 to 19, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the media and security agencies for national stability, peace and development.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Oyetunde Abimbola, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that the summit is designed to serve as a high-level platform for constructive engagement between journalists, security operatives and other stakeholders on issues affecting national security and information management.
According to Abimbola, the summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” will bring together senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders from across the country.
She said the event would focus on exploring ways journalists and security agencies can work together more effectively in safeguarding the nation, managing information during emergencies and strengthening public confidence in national institutions.
Abimbola revealed that the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend the summit as Special Guests of Honour, while the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
The statement added that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion, while the National President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahya, will host participants at the gathering.
Abimbola noted that the summit is coming at a critical time when Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges, the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, as well as increasing public concern over safety and security issues.
She stressed that structured engagement between media practitioners and security agencies has become imperative in improving crisis communication, preventing panic, combating fake news and ensuring that citizens have access to accurate, timely and responsible information.
The summit is expected to examine several key issues, including responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information without compromising security operations, protection and safety of journalists covering security beats, countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and respect between journalists and security personnel.
The programme will feature opening and goodwill messages, a keynote presentation, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters and interactive question-and-answer sessions with security chiefs and other experts.
At the end of the summit, participants are expected to adopt a communiqué and develop an action framework that will guide future engagement between the media and security institutions in Nigeria.
The committee chairman further quoted the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, as reaffirming the union’s commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professional ethics and advancing the welfare and safety of journalists across the country.
Yahya emphasised that while the media must continue to hold those in authority accountable, journalists also have a responsibility to work constructively with security agencies in protecting lives, preserving national unity and supporting democratic governance.
He reiterated that the NUJ remains committed to championing policies and programmes that promote professional excellence while contributing to peace, security and national development.
The Organising Committee for the summit has Comrade Abu Nmodu serving as Secretary.
