NUJ Champions Media–Security Partnership to Tackle National Challenges

The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies as a critical step towards addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges and promoting national development.

Speaking during a press conference ahead of the forthcoming National Security Summit organised by the NUJ, Yahya said the union’s decision to convene the summit was informed by the recognition that national security is a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of all stakeholders.

The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” is expected to bring together media practitioners, security experts, government officials and other key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening national security through enhanced collaboration.

According to the NUJ President, both the media and security institutions occupy strategic positions in society and must work together in fostering peace, national cohesion and informed public discourse.

“As the watchdog of society, the media has a constitutional responsibility to inform, educate and hold authorities accountable, while security agencies remain critical partners in protecting lives, maintaining peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation,” he said.

Yahya noted that the relationship between journalists and security agencies should be built on professionalism, mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment to the national interest.

He explained that the summit would provide a platform for constructive engagement on emerging security threats and examine ways both institutions can collaborate more effectively in addressing them.

Among the key issues slated for discussion are responsible security reporting, combating misinformation and disinformation, balancing national security concerns with press freedom, improving access to credible information, and strengthening cooperation between journalists and security institutions.

The NUJ President stressed that a well-informed society is essential to national security, urging journalists to continue reporting security matters with accuracy, balance and sensitivity.

He also called on security agencies to recognise the media as an indispensable partner in democratic governance and nation building.

Yahya clarified that the summit is not intended to compromise the independence of the media or interfere with the operational responsibilities of security agencies. Rather, he said, it aims to deepen understanding, encourage dialogue and establish frameworks for cooperation that will benefit the country.

He expressed appreciation to security institutions, government agencies, development partners and members of the media community for supporting the initiative.

As preparations for the summit gather momentum, the NUJ President urged stakeholders to approach the engagement with open minds and a common vision of building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting responsible journalism that strengthens democracy, supports national unity and contributes meaningfully to nation building.