NUJ To Host National Security Summit In Abuja

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja on Thursday, June 18, and Friday, June 19, 2026. The summit aims to strengthen collaboration between the media and security agencies in promoting national stability and development.

With the theme “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” the gathering is designed as a high-level platform for dialogue on how journalists and security operatives can work together more effectively in safeguarding the country, managing information during crises, and building public trust in national institutions.

According to the Organizing Committee Chair, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, the summit will bring together senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media leaders, editors, civil society organizations, and other critical stakeholders from across Nigeria.

Key participants expected at the summit include the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and National Security Adviser, and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu will serve as Special Guests of Honour. While the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is listed tol deliver the keynote address, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit; even as the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, will chair the occasion.

Over the two days, participants will deliberate on pressing issues which includes the following:

Responsible reporting of security operations and conflicts; Access to credible information and official briefings; Managing sensitive information without compromising operations; Safety of journalists covering security beats; Countering disinformation, propaganda, and hate speech; and Building trust between journalists and security personnel.

According to the release, the programme will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive Q&A segments with security chiefs. The summit will close with the adoption of a communiqué and a framework of action to guide future engagement between the media and security institutions.

The NUJ reaffirmed its dedication to defending press freedom, upholding professional ethics, and promoting the safety and welfare of journalists. It emphasized that while the media must hold power to account, it should also work constructively with security agencies to protect lives, preserve national cohesion, and support democratic governance.