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The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges and promote national development.
Speaking at the National Security Summit jointly organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Department of State Services in Abuja on Thursday, Abdullahi said the country’s security situation requires collective action, strategic thinking and sustained cooperation among stakeholders.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together journalists, security chiefs, policymakers, academics and development partners to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation in tackling insecurity and advancing national unity.
The NUJ president noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, misinformation, violent extremism and separatist agitations, stressing that security should not be left solely in the hands of security agencies.
According to him, government institutions, the media, civil society organisations and citizens all have critical roles to play in safeguarding the nation and promoting peace and stability.
Abdullahi said one of the major promises he made upon assuming office in November 2024 was to create platforms that would enhance professional development and strengthen engagement between journalists and key national institutions.
He explained that the summit was part of efforts to build stronger relationships between the media and agencies whose operations have direct implications for national security and development.
The NUJ president described the media and security agencies as strategic institutions in any democracy, noting that while security agencies protect lives, property and national sovereignty, the media serves as a bridge between government and citizens through information dissemination, public enlightenment and accountability.
He urged journalists to continue upholding the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and ethical reporting, particularly at a time when information has significant influence on public perception and national security outcomes.
Abdullahi expressed optimism that deliberations at the summit would strengthen trust, deepen mutual understanding and improve cooperation between journalists and security institutions.
A major highlight of the event, he said, was a presentation by Okey Okechukwu on “The Media as Impact Multiplier in Military Operations and National Development,” which examined the media’s role in supporting national security objectives and national development.
The NUJ president also commended the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for fostering constructive engagement between the service and the media.
He said the DSS leadership had demonstrated a strong appreciation of the media’s role in nation-building through openness to dialogue and commitment to professional collaboration.
Abdullahi further appreciated the Minister of Information and National Orientation and other stakeholders for supporting the summit, describing their participation as evidence of a shared commitment to a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
He urged participants to engage constructively during discussions and use the platform to identify practical solutions for enhancing the role of the media and security institutions in promoting national security and development.
The NUJ president reaffirmed the union’s commitment to responsible journalism and expressed confidence that stronger cooperation among key democratic institutions would contribute significantly to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and fostering national cohesion.
