The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja to deepen collaboration between the media and security agencies amid growing national security concerns.
The summit, scheduled for June 18 and 19, 2026, is themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Abimbola Oyetunde, the union said the event would serve as a platform for dialogue on improving cooperation between journalists and security operatives.
Oyetunde said, “The Security Summit is conceived as a high-level platform for robust dialogue on how journalists and security operatives can work together more effectively in safeguarding the country, managing information during crises, and strengthening public confidence in national institutions.”
She added that the summit would bring together senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders from across the country.
According to the statement, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.
“The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, will deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit,” the statement read.
It also noted that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion.
Oyetunde explained that the summit is taking place at a time Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges, including the spread of misinformation and rising public anxiety.
“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,” she said.
She stressed that structured engagement between the media and security agencies would improve crisis communication and ensure accurate information dissemination.
“Such engagement is critical to preventing panic, countering fake news, and ensuring that citizens receive accurate, timely and responsible information,” she added.
The statement further disclosed that participants would deliberate on issues such as responsible reporting of security operations, access to credible information, handling sensitive data, safety of journalists on security beats, and strategies for countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech.
Other areas of focus include building mutual trust and respect between journalists and security personnel.
The programme is expected to feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with security chiefs.
The summit will conclude with the adoption of a communiqué and a framework to guide future collaboration between the media and security institutions.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, upholding professional ethics, and promoting the safety and welfare of journalists.