NUJ Partners NSA Directorate To Tackle Misinformation, Protect Critical National Assets

The Nigeria Union of Journalists has pledged collaboration with the Directorate of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection in the Office of the National Security Adviser, following a courtesy visit by the Directorate to the NUJ National Secretariat.

The partnership is aimed at promoting responsible reporting, curbing misinformation and strengthening public awareness of issues relating to critical national infrastructure.

The delegation expressed concern over the spread of misleading information, particularly reports involving telecommunications and other service providers, noting that inaccurate or unsubstantiated claims could misinform the public and undermine confidence in the country.

The Director, Air Vice Marshal Effiom, who led the delegation, urged journalists to uphold professional standards by conducting thorough investigations and verifying information before publication or broadcast.

He also called for the development of NUJ-led guidelines to guide media coverage of telecommunications and other critical service providers.

Responding, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, appreciated the delegation for recognising the Union as a strategic partner in advancing national security and the public interest.

Yahya assured the delegation of the Union’s willingness to collaborate with the Directorate, stressing that responsible journalism remains essential to national development, public enlightenment and the promotion of the country’s collective interests.

He expressed the NUJ’s commitment to supporting initiatives that would strengthen professional journalism and position journalists as agents of positive change in the media industry and the country at large.

Also speaking, the NUJ National Secretary, Mr. Achike Chude, emphasised the need for a clear framework to guide the proposed collaboration.

He highlighted the importance of structured engagement between the Union and the Directorate, as well as capacity-building programmes to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills required to report effectively on critical national assets, infrastructure protection and related security issues.

Highlights of the meeting included the training of NUJ members and future workshops, benefits the Union and its members are set to derive from the engagement.

The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to explore areas of mutual cooperation, with a shared commitment to promoting accurate, ethical and responsible journalism in support of national security and the public interest.