The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has called for stronger institutional collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, urging the service to expand opportunities for journalists to participate in operational and maritime activities to enhance accurate and informed security reporting.
According to an official signed statement by the Public Relations Officer of DECAN, Matthew Abi, the appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the association’s newly elected executive members to the Directorate of Naval Information in Abuja.
Leading the delegation, President of DECAN, Odita Sunday, said the visit was aimed at reinforcing the long-standing relationship between defence correspondents and the Nigerian Navy while exploring avenues for deeper cooperation in national security communication.
He emphasized the critical role of defence correspondents in bridging the information gap between the Armed Forces and the public, noting that many operational successes recorded by the Navy often receive limited public attention due to inadequate media access to military activities.
Odita urged the Navy to sustain and broaden its journalist-embedding programmes, particularly for Abuja-based defence correspondents, explaining that such initiatives provide reporters with first-hand exposure to operational realities and a deeper understanding of the challenges encountered by military personnel.
According to him, direct participation in military exercises enables journalists to report security issues more accurately, responsibly and professionally.
Drawing from his personal experience, Odita recalled participating in several naval and multinational exercises, including Exercise Farauta, Exercise Prosperity in the Republic of Benin, Obangame Express and naval vessel reception missions.
“These exposures have helped me appreciate the military more because I have seen what they go through. It becomes easier to report accurately and responsibly when you understand the realities on the ground,” he said.
Responding, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, congratulated the newly elected DECAN executives and described defence correspondents as indispensable partners in shaping public understanding of military operations and national security issues.
He commended the professionalism of defence journalists and reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the media.
Folorunsho acknowledged concerns regarding broader participation in journalist-embedding programmes, noting that the Navy had previously facilitated media participation in maritime exercises and multinational operations.
He assured the association that efforts would be made to improve inclusiveness and create more opportunities for journalists, particularly as the Navy prepares for forthcoming regional maritime engagements involving several West African countries.
The Director of Naval Information also disclosed plans to strengthen informal interactions between naval authorities and defence correspondents through regular engagements aimed at fostering understanding and improving information sharing.
He encouraged journalists to seek clarification whenever issues arise, stressing that open communication remains essential to accurate and balanced reporting of military activities.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both DECAN and the Nigerian Navy to strengthening collaboration in strategic communication, enhancing public awareness of maritime security efforts and promoting informed reporting on national defence matters.
