The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in addressing the country’s security challenges.
The summit, scheduled for June 18 and 19, 2026, has as its theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”
A statement by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, says the event is designed to provide a platform for dialogue on improving cooperation between journalists and security operatives in promoting national stability, effective crisis communication and public trust.
According to the statement, the summit will bring together senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders from across the country.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are expected as Special Guests of Honour, while the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, will deliver the keynote address.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host participants.
The union notes that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to face evolving security threats, the spread of misinformation and growing public concerns over safety and security.
It explains that closer engagement between the media and security institutions is necessary to improve information management during emergencies, curb the spread of fake news and ensure that citizens receive accurate and timely information.
Discussions during the summit will focus on responsible reporting of security operations, access to credible information, management of sensitive information, protection of journalists covering conflict zones, countering disinformation and strengthening trust between journalists and security personnel.
The programme will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters and interactive engagements with security chiefs.
Participants are also expected to adopt a communiqué and develop a framework to guide future collaboration between media organisations and security institutions.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, professional journalism and the welfare of media practitioners, stressing that while the media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, it also has a responsibility to contribute to peace, national cohesion and democratic governance.
The union described the summit as part of its ongoing efforts to promote professionalism and support initiatives that advance national security and development.