By Barth Ikiebe
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has concluded plans to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and promoting national development.
The summit, scheduled to hold on June 18 and 19, 2026, will bring together top government officials, security chiefs, media executives, Editors, Civil Society Organisations and other key stakeholders from across the country under the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”
The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, said in a statement that the summit is designed as a high-level platform for meaningful engagement on how journalists and security operatives can work more effectively together in safeguarding national security, managing information during emergencies and crises, and strengthening public confidence in national institutions.
According to the statement, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will serve 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 National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the event, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion.
The organisers noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront complex security threats, the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, as well as growing public anxiety over security-related developments.
They stressed that stronger cooperation between the media and security institutions is essential for effective crisis communication, combating fake news, preventing panic and ensuring citizens receive accurate, timely and responsible information.
Participants at the summit will deliberate on key issues, including responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts, access to credible information and official briefings, protection and safety of journalists on security assignments.
The event will also involve management of sensitive information without jeopardising security operations, countering propaganda, hate speech and disinformation, as well as building mutual trust and respect between journalists and security personnel.
The two-day programme will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, goodwill messages, interactive engagements with security chiefs and experience-sharing sessions by frontline reporters covering security issues.
The summit is expected to come up with the adoption of a communiqué and an agreed framework for sustained engagement between the media and security agencies.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, professional ethics and the welfare of journalists, while emphasising that the media must continue to work constructively with security institutions to protect lives, preserve national unity and support democratic governance.
