NUJ Calls for Stronger Media-Security Cooperation and Ethical Journalism to Tackle Insecurity

NUJ Calls for Stronger Media-Security Cooperation and Ethical Journalism to Tackle Insecurity

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies, alongside improved ethical standards in journalism, as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

The call was made during a national security summit organised by the NUJ in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja. The event brought together journalists, security officials, government representatives, academics, and civil society stakeholders to discuss how strategic communication can support national security.

Speaking after the summit, NUJ leadership noted that many tensions between the media and security institutions stem from weak communication channels and inadequate engagement frameworks. It stressed that the media remains central to shaping public understanding, countering misinformation, and promoting accountability.

The summit, themed around partnership between media and security agencies in nation-building, emphasised the need for a coordinated national approach to security. Participants argued that effective intelligence operations, governance, and communication strategies must work together to achieve lasting results.

A key recommendation from the discussions was the need for security agencies to adopt more transparent and timely communication practices in order to strengthen public trust and reduce the spread of misinformation. Media organisations, on their part, were urged to reinforce fact-checking processes and maintain high professional standards, particularly in reporting sensitive security matters.

Stakeholders also called for the creation of structured dialogue platforms between journalists and security institutions to prevent conflict and encourage professional resolution of disputes. Regular joint training programmes were also proposed to improve mutual understanding and operational cooperation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, who chaired the event, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to intelligence-led security strategies and emphasised the importance of trust and effective communication in governance and national stability.

Additional recommendations from the summit included investment in education, youth development, and social welfare programmes as long-term solutions to insecurity. Participants also advocated greater inclusion of women in security governance and stronger institutional support for public media organisations while maintaining editorial independence.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to deepen cooperation between the media and security sectors, with the belief that responsible journalism and proactive communication are essential tools for strengthening national security.

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