The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) will convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja on June 18 and 19, 2026, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in the interest of national stability and development.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” is expected to bring together senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society organisations, and other critical stakeholders from across the country.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, the summit is designed as a high-level platform for meaningful dialogue on how journalists and security operatives can work together more effectively in safeguarding the nation, managing information during crises, and enhancing public confidence in national institutions.
According to the statement, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will serve as Special Guests of Honour at the event.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion.
Oyetunde noted that the summit is taking place at a critical period when Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges, the proliferation of misinformation, and heightened public anxiety.
She stressed that structured engagement between the media and security agencies is essential for improving crisis communication, preventing panic, combating fake news, and ensuring that citizens receive accurate, timely, and responsible information.
The statement further disclosed that participants will deliberate on key issues, including responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information without compromising security operations, protection and safety of journalists covering security beats, and strategies for countering disinformation, propaganda, and hate speech.
Other areas of focus include fostering mutual trust and respect between journalists and security personnel.
The programme will feature opening and goodwill messages, a keynote presentation, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive question-and-answer sessions with security chiefs.
At the end of the summit, participants are expected to adopt a communiqué and develop a framework for sustained engagement between the media and security institutions.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professional ethics, and advancing the safety and welfare of journalists.
The union also emphasized that while the media must continue to hold those in authority accountable, it should work constructively with security agencies to protect lives, preserve national unity, and support democratic governance.
As the umbrella body for practising journalists in Nigeria, the NUJ said it remains committed to championing policies and programmes that promote professional excellence and contribute to peace, security, and national development.