Stakeholders urge ethical reporting to combat insecurity in Nigeria

By Abubakar Yunusa

Stakeholders from media, security, traditional institutions, and government have called for ethical journalism to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity and promote national unity.

At a two-day summit themed “Security Journalism and Its Economic Impact on National Development,” held in Abuja, participants emphasized that responsible reporting directly impacts public safety and economic growth.

Muhammad Abdullahi Ado, President of the Centre for Patriotism and Values Re-Orientation, which organized the event, warned that misinformation, particularly on social media, poses a significant threat to national security.

“Truthful and verified information is becoming rare,” Ado said.

“Social media often spreads unverified content, and this summit aims to champion professionalism in reporting.”

The summit brought together senior military officials, traditional rulers, government representatives, and journalists to discuss the critical link between ethical journalism and national security.

General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, represented by Major General M.G. Kanye, stressed the need for collaboration between media and security agencies to tackle insecurity effectively.

“Those causing trouble are not spirits,” Kanye said, urging citizens to share credible information with security forces to enhance national safety.

He also called for better welfare and legal protections for journalists working in conflict zones, highlighting their role in shaping public trust.

Kebbi State’s First Lady, Zainab Nasari Idris, urged journalists, especially young reporters, to prioritize accuracy and integrity in their work to foster peace.

“Journalism shapes public perception,” she said.

“The unity of this nation depends on how responsibly we report, particularly during crises.”

Dr. Halima Muhammad Bande, Kebbi’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, praised the First Lady’s grassroots efforts, including skills training and vigilante deployment to secure schools.

Former FIRS Chairman Muhammad Mamman Nami described the summit as timely, noting that a peaceful environment is essential for economic development and investor confidence.

Nami advocated for fair remuneration, training, and legal protections for journalists, alongside wise investment of tax revenue to boost infrastructure and peace.

The summit underscored the pivotal role of ethical journalism in fostering public trust, strengthening security, and driving Nigeria’s economic progress.