Chinedu Nwafor,Abakaliki
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, will on Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19, 2026, host a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja to strengthen collaboration between journalists and security agencies for national stability and development.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”, is designed as a high-level dialogue platform to address crisis communication, misinformation, and public trust in national institutions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee and deputy national President of NUJ, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, the NUJ said the summit will bring together senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society organizations, and other critical stakeholders from across the country.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will serve as Special Guests of Honour.
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 the gathering. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion.
“The Security Summit is coming at a time when the country continues to grapple with complex security challenges, the spread of misinformation, and heightened public anxiety,” Oyetunde stated.
According to the Union, structured engagement between the media and security agencies is critical to improving crisis communication, preventing panic, countering fake news, and ensuring citizens receive accurate, timely, and responsible information.
Key issues for discussion include: Responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts, Access to credible information and official briefings, Managing sensitive information without compromising operations, Protection and safety of journalists covering security beats, Countering disinformation, propaganda, and hate speech and Building mutual trust and respect between journalists and security personnel
The programme will feature opening and goodwill messages, keynote presentation, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive Q&A segments with security chiefs.
The summit will close with the adoption of a communiqué and an agreed framework of action to guide future engagement between the media and security institutions.
The NUJ reiterated its commitment to defending press freedom, upholding professional ethics, and promoting the safety and welfare of journalists. It stressed that while the media must hold power to account, it must also work constructively with security agencies to protect lives, preserve national cohesion, and support democratic governance.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists remains the umbrella body for all practicing journalists in Nigeria and continues to champion policies and programmes that enhance professional excellence and contribute to peace, security, and national development.