The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at promoting accurate and responsible reporting on national security issues while enhancing public confidence through effective communication.
The renewed commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of DECAN, led by its President, Odita Sunday, to the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison to the National Security Adviser, Dr Chido Onumah, in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to DECAN, the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing engagement with key institutions in the defence and security sector to deepen collaboration and improve public communication on national security matters.
Speaking during the meeting, Odita thanked DDrOnumah for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the Office of the National Security Adviser through professional, factual and balanced reporting.
He called for greater access to official activities, specialised training for defence correspondents, the establishment of a dedicated media centre, and increased inclusion of journalists who regularly cover ONSA activities in official engagements.
“DECAN is ready to partner with your office to ensure the activities of the ONSA receive the publicity they deserve. Our members are committed to promoting factual reporting that projects the positive image of our country,” Odita said.
He further urged the ONSA to provide opportunities for reporters who cover the office regularly to participate in official assignments alongside their editors, saying such exposure would enable more informed and in-depth reporting.
To improve media operations while maintaining security within the ONSA complex, Odita proposed the establishment of a dedicated press centre outside the facility where journalists could interact with officials more conveniently.
He also advocated continuous professional development for defence correspondents, particularly in areas such as emerging security threats, intelligence reporting and other evolving national security issues.
As part of efforts to promote informed public discourse on defence and security matters, the DECAN president announced that the association would launch its quarterly publication, The Defence Correspondent, in October 2026.
Responding, Dr Drnumah commended the DECAN leadership for the visit and acknowledged the important role defence correspondents play in improving public understanding of national security issues.
He assured the delegation that their requests would be presented to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for consideration. Dr . Drumah also underscored the need for regular capacity building for journalists covering the security sector, noting that well-trained reporters contribute significantly to national security through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
“Training will better position defence correspondents to report security issues with greater understanding, professionalism and responsibility,” he said.
He added that the Office of the National Security Adviser would continue working closely with the media to ensure timely, accurate and effective communication of national security issues to the public. #Securitynewsalert.com
