By Abdullahi Yusuf
The National Executive Council(NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) has commended security agencies in the country for their continued partnership, cooperation and support towards promoting the safety and security of journalists and other members of the media community.
The commendation is contained in a Communiqué issued at end of the Council’s meeting held in Dutse,Jigawa State,on August 11,2026.
“The National Executive Council commended the various security agencies in the country, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), for their continued partnership, cooperation and support towards promoting the safety and security of journalists and members of the media community,” the Council said.
The Communiqué which was signed by Akorede R.Opeyemi,Assistant National Secretary,on behalf of the National Secretary, urged the security agencies to sustain and deepen this partnership, particularly in view of the increasing security challenges confronting journalists in the course of discharging their professional responsibilities.
NEC then called on journalists and media organisations to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and responsibility in reporting terrorism, banditry, insurgency and other forms of insecurity across the country.
It also urged journalists to avoid sensationalism, the glorification of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, and the undue prominence of their activities in ways that could amplify propaganda, facilitate recruitment or enhance the public profile of criminal groups.
The meeting reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to ethical journalism and emphasised the importance of accurate, balanced and responsible reporting that serves the public interest, while taking into consideration national security and the safety of journalists.
It also endorsed the proposed Northern States Security Summit to be hosted by Zamfara State, citing the prevailing security challenges confronting the Northern region.
“The Union considers the summit an important platform for bringing together relevant stakeholders to deliberate on practical and sustainable strategies for addressing insecurity and enhancing the protection of journalists, media organisations and the wider society.
All NEC members are expected to participate actively in the summit,” the NEC said.
It commended the Bauchi State Government for approving and releasing over ₦400 million for the comprehensive renovation of the NUJ Secretariat in the state, describing the gesture as a significant demonstration of support for journalism and the welfare of journalists.
The meeting urged other subnational governments to emulate the initiative by providing conducive working environment and improved facilities for journalists across the country.
Similarly, it commended the Jigawa State Government for its commitment to promoting mechanised agriculture as a means of transforming the agricultural sector, boosting food production, creating employment opportunities and improving the livelihoods of citizens, urging other State Governments to emulate the laudable effort.