The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for deeper collaboration between the media and security agencies, describing the partnership as vital to strengthening national security, building public trust, and advancing Nigeria’s nation-building efforts.This is contained in a statement by the National Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Comrade Wasilah Ladan.
Speaking as Chairman of the Occasion and Chief Host at the National Security Summit in Abuja, Idris said journalists and security agencies must work together to tackle the growing challenges of misinformation, terrorism, banditry, and other emerging security threats. The summit was organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in collaboration with the Department of State Services.
Addressing participants, the minister emphasized that the media has become a frontline stakeholder in national security due to its influence on public perception and information dissemination. He noted that responsible journalism and transparent engagement by security agencies would help foster trust among citizens and enhance the country’s resilience against insecurity and fake news.
“When journalists report responsibly and security agencies engage transparently, public trust grows and our collective resilience against terror, banditry, and fake news is strengthened,” Idris stated.
In his remarks, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting national security through responsible journalism. He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen journalists’ capacity in conflict and security reporting, improve the safety of media professionals operating in volatile areas, and sustain dialogue with security institutions.
“Security is everybody’s business,” Yahaya said, stressing that the NUJ would continue to equip journalists with the skills needed to report accurately without compromising security operations or endangering lives.
The NUJ president also commended the DSS for its partnership with the media and pledged the union’s readiness to deepen collaboration in the interest of national development.
Also speaking at the summit, Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting national security initiatives. She disclosed that NAWOJ is organizing specialized training programmes and security-focused engagements for women journalists nationwide to enhance responsible reporting, peacebuilding efforts, and early warning mechanisms.
The summit concluded with stakeholders advocating the establishment of a joint framework for information sharing, early warning reporting, and improved protection for journalists working in conflict-prone areas, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation between the media and security agencies in safeguarding Nigeria’s future.
