The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to host a landmark two-day National Security Summit in Abuja, bringing together top security officials, government leaders, media executives and civil society actors to chart a new course for collaboration in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
Scheduled for June 18 and 19, 2026, the summit will focus on the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” highlighting the critical role of information management and strategic communication in promoting national stability and development.
According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, the summit is designed as a high-level platform for dialogue between journalists and security agencies on how both sectors can work more effectively to safeguard the nation, manage information during crises and strengthen public confidence in state institutions.
The event is expected to attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media leaders, editors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders from across the country.
Among the dignitaries expected at the summit are the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who will serve as Special Guests of Honour.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is billed to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the gathering. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion.
Organisers noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront complex security threats, rising misinformation and growing public concern over national safety.
They stressed that stronger engagement between journalists and security agencies has become essential for improving crisis communication, preventing panic, combating fake news and ensuring citizens receive accurate and timely information.
Participants will deliberate on key issues affecting both professions, including responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information without compromising security operations, and the safety of journalists covering conflict zones.
Other areas of discussion include strategies for countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building trust and mutual respect between media practitioners and security personnel.
The summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters and interactive engagements with security chiefs.
At the end of the two-day gathering, participants are expected to adopt a communiqué and an action framework aimed at strengthening future cooperation between the media and security institutions.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, professional ethics and the welfare of journalists, while emphasizing that the media must continue to play a constructive role in supporting national security, democratic governance and social cohesion.
With Nigeria facing increasingly sophisticated security and information challenges, the summit is expected to provide a vital platform for fostering understanding, improving communication and building stronger partnerships between those who protect the nation and those who tell its stories.
About The Author
