By COLLINS YAKUBU-HAMMER

Alhassan Yahya, President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has announced plans for a National Security Summit aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies to promote national development and security.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of the summit, Yahya said the event, themed: “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” is scheduled to hold on June 18 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

He said the summit was conceived in recognition of the critical roles both institutions play in maintaining peace, national cohesion, and democratic governance.

He described national security as a collective responsibility that required the commitment, cooperation, and understanding of all stakeholders, particularly the media and security institutions.

The duo, according to him, occupy strategic positions in shaping public discourse and safeguarding the nation.

“The media, as the watchdog of society, has a constitutional responsibility to inform, educate, and hold authorities accountable, while security agencies remain indispensable in protecting lives, maintaining peace, and defending the sovereignty of our nation,” he said.

The NUJ president stressed that the relationship between journalists and security agencies must be anchored on mutual respect, professionalism, trust, and a shared commitment to national interest.

He explained that the summit would bring together media practitioners, security experts, government officials, and other stakeholders to discuss emerging security challenges and identify practical ways to enhance cooperation between journalists and security institutions.

“Discussions at the summit will focus on responsible security reporting, combating misinformation and disinformation, protecting national interests while preserving press freedom, improving access to credible information, and strengthening collaboration between journalists and security agencies,” he said.

“The NUJ believes that a well-informed society is a safer society. Journalists must continue to report security matters with accuracy, balance, and sensitivity, while security agencies must appreciate the media as an essential partner in democratic governance and national development,” he added.

He emphasised that the summit was not designed to compromise media independence or interfere with the operational responsibilities of security agencies.

“Rather, it is to deepen understanding, foster dialogue, and establish a framework for cooperation that will benefit Nigerians,” he said.

The NUJ president commended security institutions, government agencies, development partners, and members of the media community for supporting the initiative.

As preparations for the summit gather momentum, Yahya called on participants to approach the event with an open mind and a shared commitment to building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.

He also urged media organisations and journalists across the country to support the initiative by creating awareness and ensuring that the objectives of the summit receive widespread public attention.

“The NUJ remains committed to promoting journalism that strengthens democracy, supports national unity, and contributes meaningfully to nation building.

“The National Security Summit is expected to serve as a platform for constructive engagement and consensus-building on the role of the media and security agencies in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those in attendance at the news conference included the National Secretary of the NUJ, Mr Achike Chude; other national officers; and NAWOJ executives.

Also present were the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike; the Chairperson of NAWOJ, FCT Chapter, Bassey Ita-Ikpang; and some chairmen of NUJ chapels in the FCT. (NAN)

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