Unregulated foreign access to Nigeria’s media space fuelling insecurity — NUJ

Unregulated foreign access to Nigeria’s media space fuelling insecurity — NUJ

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has identified unregulated access by foreign actors to Nigeria’s media space as one of the emerging factors fuelling the country’s security challenges.

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

The summit, with the theme, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together journalists, security experts and former military spokespersons to examine ways of strengthening collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Abdullahi urged journalists to always place national security and development at the forefront of their reportage, stressing that the media had a responsibility to safeguard the country’s interests.

He expressed concern over the increasing presence of foreign actors in Nigeria’s media landscape, saying the development required clear regulatory policies and closer monitoring because of its implications for national security.

The NUJ president also linked the country’s security challenges to malnutrition, describing it as an often overlooked issue with far-reaching consequences for social stability.

“Many people may ask why malnutrition is being discussed at a security summit, but it is a serious problem, and Nigeria ranks among the countries most affected worldwide.

“Children who suffer from malnutrition often experience stunted growth and impaired cognitive development. This has serious implications for the country’s future productivity and stability,” he said.

He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between journalists and security agencies in shaping security narratives and promoting national unity.

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In his presentation, Mr Musikilu Mojeed, President of the International Press Institute (IPI), advocated dialogue and institutional mechanisms as the most effective means of resolving disputes between the media and government agencies.

Mojeed cited an instance in which a reported disagreement between the DSS and the Lagos State House of Assembly was resolved through engagement and clarification rather than coercion, harassment or arrests.

According to him, while security agencies are responsible for protecting the nation and the media for informing the public, disagreements are inevitable and should be addressed through regular, structured engagement instead of waiting until crises occur.

Also speaking, a former Director of Defence Information, Retired Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, underscored the importance of dialogue by recalling a military operation during which newspaper distribution vehicles were searched following intelligence reports that terrorists could use them to transport weapons.

Olukolade said although the exercise caused delays and public criticism, the misunderstanding was resolved within a day through discreet dialogue between the military and media stakeholders.

Similarly, a former Director of Naval Information, Retired Commodore Kabir Aliyu, described the media as a strategic partner and “force multiplier” in national security efforts.

He warned that excluding journalists from critical national security conversations could undermine efforts to contain security threats, stressing that effective communication remained essential in managing sensitive issues.

Also contributing, a former NUJ President, Mr Chris Isiguzo, urged journalists to exercise caution in reporting security matters, warning that terrorist groups often exploit media coverage to advance their propaganda and operations.

Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that former NUJ Presidents Chris Isiguzo, Abdulwaheed Odusile and Lanre Ogundipe attended the summit.

Also in attendance were former leaders of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the association’s National Chairperson, Hajiya Aisha Kwaya-Bura.