By Emmanuel Nduka
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the media to promote timely, accurate and responsible reporting of national security issues.
The pledge was made by the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison to the National Security Adviser, Dr. Chido Onumah, during a meeting with members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja.
Onumah described the media as a critical partner in advancing Nigeria’s national security objectives, noting that accurate and responsible reportage is essential to enhancing public understanding of defence and security matters.
He commended the leadership of DECAN for the visit and assured the association that its request for sustained capacity-building programmes for journalists covering the defence and security sector would be presented to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for consideration.
According to him, regular training would equip defence correspondents with the knowledge and professional skills required to report complex security issues more effectively.
«“Training will better position defence correspondents to report security issues with greater understanding, professionalism and responsibility,” he said.»
Earlier, DECAN President, Chief Odita Sunday, said the visit was part of the association’s ongoing engagement with key institutions in the defence and security sector aimed at strengthening collaboration and promoting informed public communication on national security matters.
He called for a stronger partnership between DECAN and ONSA to encourage accurate and responsible reporting of security issues while enhancing public confidence through effective communication.
Odita reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the Office of the National Security Adviser through professional, factual and balanced reportage.
«“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,” he said.»
He appealed for greater access to ONSA’s official activities, specialised training for defence correspondents, the establishment of a dedicated media centre and greater inclusion of journalists who regularly cover the office in official engagements.
Odita also proposed the establishment of a dedicated press centre outside the ONSA complex to facilitate easier interaction between journalists and officials without compromising security.
He further advocated continuous professional development programmes for defence correspondents, particularly in emerging security threats, intelligence reporting and other evolving national security issues.
As part of efforts to deepen public understanding of defence and security matters, Odita announced that DECAN would launch its quarterly publication, The Defence Correspondent, in October 2026.
