The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to host a two day National Security Summit in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national stability, peace and development.
Scheduled for June 18 and 19, 2026, the summit will bring together key stakeholders from the media, security sector, government and civil society to examine the role of information management in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” is expected to provide a strategic platform for dialogue on fostering mutual understanding and enhancing cooperation between journalists and security institutions.
According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Oyetunde Abimbola, and the Secretary, Comrade Abu Nmodu, the initiative is designed to promote effective engagement in crisis communication and responsible information dissemination.
The organisers noted that the event will attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, journalists, policy makers and representatives of civil society organisations from across the country.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, are expected to attend as Special Guests of Honour, underscoring the importance attached to the summit.
The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, will deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host participants.
Also expected at the event is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who will serve as Chairman of the occasion.
The organisers observed that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront complex security threats, the proliferation of misinformation and growing public concern over safety and national security.
They stressed that stronger institutional engagement between journalists and security agencies is essential for improving public communication during emergencies, combating fake news and ensuring the dissemination of accurate and timely information.
Deliberations during the summit will focus on responsible reporting of security operations, access to credible information, management of sensitive intelligence, and the protection of journalists covering conflict and security related issues.
Participants will also examine strategies for tackling disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, while exploring ways of building trust and professionalism between media practitioners and security personnel.
The programme will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, goodwill messages, interactive engagements with security chiefs and experience sharing by journalists working on the frontlines of security reporting.
At the conclusion of the summit, participants are expected to adopt a communiqué and develop a practical framework to guide future collaboration between the media and security institutions in Nigeria.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism and the welfare of media professionals, while maintaining that constructive engagement between the media and security agencies remains vital to protecting lives, strengthening democratic governance and promoting sustainable national development.