.as IPI advocates dialogue, institutional mechanisms to resolve insecurity

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has identified malnutrition, rising drug abuse and the growing presence of foreign interests in Nigeria’s media space as emerging threats contributing to the country’s insecurity.

NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, made the observation on Friday at the two-day National Security Summit organised by the union in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.

The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together journalists, security experts and former military spokespersons to explore strategies for strengthening cooperation between the media and security agencies in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Speaking at the event, Abdullahi urged journalists to continue placing national security and development at the centre of their reportage, stressing that the media has a critical role to play in safeguarding the nation’s stability.

He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing influx of foreigners into Nigeria’s media landscape, warning that the trend could have implications for national security if not properly regulated.

The NUJ president also drew attention to the impact of malnutrition on national development and security, describing it as a largely overlooked challenge with long-term consequences.

According to him, malnutrition undermines children’s physical and cognitive development, thereby affecting the country’s future productivity and social stability.

“Many people may wonder why we are discussing malnutrition at a security summit, but Nigeria is among the countries most affected globally. Children who suffer from malnutrition often experience stunted growth and reduced intellectual capacity, with serious implications for society’s future,” he said.

Abdullahi further identified drug abuse as a growing security concern, citing presentations at the summit that revealed an alarming increase in addiction among young Nigerians.
“The figures presented are disturbing. The scale of drug abuse in the country is growing, and its connection to crime and insecurity should concern every Nigerian,” he said.

He called for stronger collaboration between journalists and security agencies, noting that effective partnership was essential for promoting national unity and reshaping narratives around security.

Also speaking, President of the International Press Institute (IPI), Musikilu Mojeed, advocated dialogue and institutional mechanisms as the most effective means of resolving conflicts between the media and government agencies.

Mojeed cited an incident involving reports that the DSS had raided the Lagos State House of Assembly, explaining that the agency later clarified it had been invited to secure lives and property and subsequently sought corrections from media organisations that published the report.

According to him, the matter was resolved without arrests or intimidation, demonstrating that disputes between the media and security agencies can be addressed through engagement and established procedures.

“The goal is not to eliminate disagreements but to create mechanisms that minimise misunderstandings. Regular dialogue is key, especially before crises escalate and positions become entrenched,” he said.

Mojeed recommended the establishment of structured engagement platforms between media organisations and security institutions, while urging government agencies to utilise complaint mechanisms and judicial processes when seeking redress over media reports.

Former Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd.), also underscored the importance of dialogue, recalling a controversial military operation in which newspaper distribution vehicles were searched during a period of heightened security concerns.

He explained that intelligence reports at the time suggested terrorists could exploit newspaper delivery channels to move weapons and other dangerous materials across the country.

“The objective was never to confiscate newspapers but to inspect vehicles based on intelligence received. The exercise inevitably caused delays and public concern,” Olukolade said.

He noted that consultations between military authorities and media stakeholders quickly resolved the issue, describing the outcome as evidence that communication remains the most effective tool for managing disagreements.

In his remarks, former Director of Naval Information, Commodore Kabir Aliyu (rtd.), urged security agencies to regard the media as strategic partners rather than adversaries.

Drawing from military history and international practice, Aliyu said the media has long been recognised as a force multiplier capable of shaping public perception and supporting national objectives.

He maintained that excluding journalists from critical national conversations could undermine security efforts, stressing the need for sustained engagement.

“The media are not enemies of government or security agencies; they are partners. Security institutions must communicate effectively with journalists and provide clarity on issues with national security implications,” he said.