By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Stakeholders have called for deeper collaboration between the media and security agencies as a critical strategy for promoting peace, national unity, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The call was made during a two-day conference organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”
The conference brought together journalists, security experts, government officials, civil society organizations, and development advocates to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between the media and security institutions in addressing the nation’s growing challenges.
Commending the initiative, Next Frontiers Nigeria (NFN) described the conference as timely and significant, noting that the media remains a powerful instrument for public enlightenment, national security awareness, and democratic development.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, emphasized the importance of partnership between government and the media in achieving meaningful progress.
According to him, the Kano State Government recognizes journalists and media practitioners as critical stakeholders in governance and development and has continued to work closely with them in promoting transparency, accountability, and public engagement.
“The media remains an indispensable partner in informing the public and supporting government efforts toward development and social progress,” he stated.
Speaking at the conference, the Founder and Chairperson of Next Frontiers Nigeria (NFN), Dr. Fatima Usman Nazir, stressed that the relationship between security agencies and the media should be viewed as a strategic partnership aimed at building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous nation.
She explained that the media serves as a vital bridge between security institutions and the public by providing timely information, promoting awareness, and encouraging citizens to support security initiatives.
According to Dr. Fatima, effective communication and responsible journalism are essential in combating misinformation, fostering public trust, and enhancing cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
“The media and security agencies share a common responsibility in safeguarding national stability. While security personnel protect lives and property, the media educates, informs, and mobilizes citizens toward positive action,” she said.
She further noted that sustainable peace and security can only be achieved when government institutions, security agencies, journalists, and citizens work together toward common goals.
Dr. Fatima attended the event alongside members of the Next Frontiers Nigeria team, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to humanitarian service, community development, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy through modern media platforms.
Also speaking at the conference, the Secretary of the forum and Co-Founder of NFN, Comrade Dahiru Muhammad Maihula, AFPA, MON, emphasized the need for collective responsibility in addressing security challenges facing the country.
He urged communities across Nigeria to provide maximum cooperation to both security personnel and media professionals, stressing that public vigilance and active participation remain vital tools in the fight against insecurity.
According to him, effective communication between security agencies, journalists, and the public will help strengthen national unity and improve public confidence in security operations.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility. Communities must work hand in hand with security agencies and the media to ensure that accurate information reaches the public and that threats are identified and addressed promptly,” he said.
Participants at the conference agreed that the media’s role extends beyond reporting events to promoting dialogue, countering misinformation, and supporting efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability.
They also stressed the need for ethical journalism, improved access to credible information, and stronger partnerships between media organizations and security institutions to address emerging security concerns.
For Next Frontiers Nigeria, the conference reinforced the belief that collaboration remains the cornerstone of national development.
The organization reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, humanitarian development, responsible media engagement, and citizen participation in nation-building.
As Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges, stakeholders at the conference expressed optimism that stronger cooperation between the media and security agencies will contribute significantly to building a safer, more informed, and more united nation.
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