The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to promote accurate, balanced and responsible reporting on national security issues while enhancing public confidence through effective communication.
According to an official statement, signed by the President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), Chief Odita Sunday, and the Secretary, Bologi Umar, it was disclosed that the renewed commitment followed a courtesy visit by the DECAN leadership 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 statement noted that the visit was part of DECAN’s ongoing engagement with key institutions in the defence and security sector aimed at deepening cooperation and promoting informed public communication on national security matters.
During the engagement, Chief Odita Sunday appreciated Dr. Onumah for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to supporting the Office of the National Security Adviser through professional, factual and balanced reportage.
He called for greater access to official activities, specialised training for defence correspondents, the establishment of a dedicated media centre and increased inclusion of journalists who regularly cover the ONSA in official engagements.
Chief Odita stated that DECAN was prepared to partner with the ONSA to ensure its activities received the publicity they deserved, adding that members of the association remained committed to factual reporting that projects Nigeria positively.
He also advocated for journalists who cover the ONSA on a regular basis to participate in official engagements alongside their editors to facilitate more comprehensive and informed reporting.
To improve media operations while maintaining security within the ONSA complex, he proposed the establishment of a dedicated press centre outside the facility where journalists could conveniently interact with officials.
The DECAN President further urged the ONSA to facilitate continuous professional development for defence correspondents, particularly in the areas of emerging security threats, intelligence reporting and other evolving national security issues.
He also announced that the association would launch its quarterly publication, The Defence Correspondent, in October 2026 as part of efforts to enrich public discourse on defence and security matters.
Responding, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison to the National Security Adviser, Dr. Chido Onumah, commended the DECAN leadership for the visit and acknowledged the vital role defence correspondents play in enhancing public understanding of national security issues.
He assured the delegation that their requests would be presented to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for consideration.
Dr. Onumah stressed the importance of continuous capacity building for journalists covering the security sector, noting that well-trained reporters contribute significantly to national security through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
He explained that regular training would better equip defence correspondents to report security issues with greater understanding, professionalism and responsibility.
Dr. Onumah further assured 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.
