The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to enhance transparency, effective communication, and public engagement on issues relating to internal security and citizenship administration.
The Minister made this known while receiving the leadership of the NUJ during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, where discussions focused on strengthening institutional cooperation between the government and the media.
Tunji-Ojo described the Ministry of Interior as “the Ministry of the people,” explaining that its responsibilities including citizenship integrity, internal security coordination, border management, and protection of national assets directly affect the daily lives of Nigerians.
He emphasized the critical role of the media in sustaining democratic governance, noting that government institutions must maintain open communication with the public.
“Where facts are not made available, assumptions take their place,” the Minister said, stressing the need for proactive information dissemination to shape public perception and build trust in public institutions.
According to him, the relationship between the Ministry and the media remains a strategic partnership founded on accountability, transparency, and national interest. He welcomed proposals for structured engagements such as regular press briefings and periodic interface sessions, stated that consistent communication would help citizens better understand ongoing reforms and innovations within the Ministry.
The Minister also commended journalists for balanced reportage of the Ministry’s activities, adding that constructive criticism remains essential for institutional improvement and policy refinement.
Earlier, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya, who led members of the Union’s National Executive Council and FCT Council on the visit, said the engagement was aimed at strengthening institutional ties and identifying areas of collaboration.
Yahaya praised ongoing reform initiatives within the Ministry, particularly in the area of internal security, and reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to supporting national security awareness through responsible journalism.
The NUJ proposed quarterly ministerial press briefings to provide Nigerians with direct updates on the Ministry’s policies and programmes. The Union also invited the Minister to address its forthcoming National Executive Council meeting to further engage stakeholders on government reforms and achievements.
In addition, the journalists’ body sought collaboration on capacity development through its training institute, with a focus on improving journalists’ understanding of security reporting, national interest considerations, and responsible information dissemination.
Both parties agreed that sustained dialogue and structured engagement would strengthen public confidence, promote national cohesion, and ensure citizens remain well-informed on issues affecting internal security and governance.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to closer institutional collaboration in service of the Nigerian people.
