The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s peace, strengthen public trust, and support national development.
The Minister made the call while speaking at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja on Thursday.
Addressing participants on the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” Idris described both institutions as critical stakeholders in protecting national interest and promoting peace and stability.
According to him, while security agencies are responsible for protecting lives, property, and national sovereignty, the media plays a vital role as a bridge between government and citizens through responsible information dissemination.
He stressed that effective cooperation built on professionalism, trust, mutual respect, and understanding of institutional roles would improve national security outcomes and strengthen public confidence.
The Minister noted that Nigeria continues to face evolving security challenges including terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised crime, misinformation, and other emerging threats, adding that such issues require collective action and strategic responses.
Idris said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritised security through a comprehensive approach involving military operations, intelligence gathering, technological innovation, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement.
He also highlighted government investments in modern military equipment, surveillance systems, intelligence infrastructure, and personnel development to enhance security operations nationwide.
Speaking on journalism’s role in national security, the Minister urged media professionals to uphold accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting, especially in an era of increasing misinformation and disinformation.
He encouraged security agencies to sustain transparent communication and timely engagement with the media while reaffirming the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s commitment to promoting dialogue and strategic communication.
Describing security as a shared responsibility, Idris called on citizens, communities, civil society organisations, and traditional and religious leaders to contribute actively toward building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
He commended the NUJ and DSS for organising the summit and expressed confidence that the discussions would strengthen collaboration between the media and security institutions.
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Security