The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja from June 18 to 19, 2026, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in promoting national stability, peace and development.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” is expected to bring together senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders from across the country.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, the summit is designed as a high-level platform for dialogue on enhancing cooperation between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding the nation, managing information during crises and building public trust in national institutions.
According to the statement, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour. The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the event. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion.
Oyetunde noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges, the spread of misinformation and heightened public anxiety.
She stressed that structured engagement between the media and security agencies is essential for improving crisis communication, preventing panic, countering fake news and ensuring citizens receive accurate, timely and responsible information.
The summit will examine key issues including responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information without compromising security operations, protection and safety of journalists covering security matters, countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as fostering mutual trust and respect between journalists and security personnel.
Activities lined up for the summit include goodwill messages, a keynote presentation, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters and interactive question-and-answer sessions with security chiefs.
The gathering is expected to conclude with the adoption of a communiqué and an agreed framework of action to guide future engagement between the media and security institutions.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professional ethics and enhancing the safety and welfare of journalists, while emphasizing the need for constructive engagement between the media and security agencies in protecting lives, preserving national cohesion and strengthening democratic governance.
