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, balanced and responsible reporting on national security issues while enhancing public confidence through effective strategic communication.
The renewed commitment followed a courtesy visit by the DECAN leadership, led by its President, Sunday Odita to the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Dr. Chido Onumah, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The visit was part of the association’s ongoing engagement with key institutions in the defence and security sector to deepen cooperation and improve public communication on security matters.
Speaking during the meeting, Odita appreciated Dr. Onumah for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed DECAN’s readiness to support the Office of the National Security Adviser through professional, factual and objective reportage.
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He called for greater access to official activities, specialised capacity-building programmes for defence correspondents, the establishment of a dedicated media centre and increased inclusion of journalists who regularly cover the ONSA 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 noted that journalists covering the ONSA on a regular basis should be given opportunities to participate in official engagements alongside their editors to facilitate more informed and comprehensive reporting.
He also proposed the establishment of a dedicated press centre outside the ONSA complex to enable journalists to interact more effectively with officials without compromising security.
The DECAN President further urged the ONSA to support continuous professional development for defence correspondents, particularly in areas such as emerging security threats, intelligence reporting and other evolving national security issues.
He also said that the association would launch its quarterly publication, the Defence Correspondent, in October 2026 to enrich public discourse on defence and security affairs.
Responding, Dr. Onumah commended the DECAN leadership for the visit and acknowledged the vital role defence correspondents play in fostering public understanding of national security issues.
He assured the delegation that all their requests would be presented to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for consideration.
Balanced and Responsible Reporting
He stressed the importance of regular training 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,” Dr. Onumah said, explaining that the Office of the National Security Adviser would continue to work closely with the media to ensure timely, accurate and effective communication of national security issues to the public.
