Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, will headline the inaugural edition of the National Citizens’ Engagement Forum on Security organised by the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
Conceived as a high-level national platform, the Forum is designed to promote inclusive dialogue between security institutions and the Nigerian populace. It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises participatory governance and meaningful citizen engagement.
In a statement issued by VON’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Minister of Information will serve as Chief Host and deliver the opening address. The NSA will chair the event, while the CDS will participate as the special guest of honour.
🚨1 DAY TO GO!
The Voice of Nigeria Forum 2025 kicks off tomorrow!🗓️ June 3 | 📍 BON Hotel Octagon, Jahi, Abuja
Theme: Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizen Engagement & National SecurityBe part of the conversation. Let your voice shape the nation!#VONForum2025 #ThinkVON pic.twitter.com/UEsKoZZ4t4
— Voice of Nigeria (@voiceofnigeria) June 2, 2025
The Forum is expected to convene a wide array of stakeholders, including heads of security agencies, civil society representatives, academics, youth leaders, media practitioners, as well as traditional and religious figures from across the country.
Mallam Ndace will deliver the opening remarks, setting the tone for what he described as “a citizen-centric dialogue designed to rebuild public trust and foster deeper collaboration between government and citizens on national security matters.”
The event will feature two thematic panel sessions. The first, titled “Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Citizens’ Trust in Security Institutions”, will explore the challenges affecting public confidence in Nigeria’s security framework. The second session, “From Awareness to Action: Civic Responsibility in Times of Crisis”, will highlight the proactive role of citizens, civil society and the media in promoting national security.
A key highlight of the Forum will be a dedicated Open Feedback Session, offering everyday Nigerians a rare opportunity to directly engage with policymakers and senior security officials, marking a new and participatory approach to national security dialogue.
All components of Nigeria’s security architecture are expected to be represented at the Forum, including the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, paramilitary agencies, and actors in civil-military relations. Community leaders and grassroots organisations will also have a seat at the table, ensuring a truly inclusive national conversation.
The Forum will conclude with the adoption of a post-event communiqué outlining actionable recommendations to enhance cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
According to VON, this event signals a new era in public engagement, reflecting its evolution from an external broadcasting service into a strategic national platform committed to amplifying Nigerian voices both domestically and globally.