DECAN Urges Nigerian Navy to Expand Media Embedding in Operations, Exercises

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has called for increased collaboration with the Nigerian Navy through expanded opportunities for journalists to participate in naval operations, exercises and strategic maritime engagements.

DECAN said greater access to naval activities would enable defence correspondents to provide more accurate, balanced and informed reports on the activities, achievements and challenges of the Nigerian Navy.

The association made the call during a courtesy visit by its newly elected executive members to the Directorate of Naval Information in Abuja.

Leading the delegation, DECAN President, Odita Sunday, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between defence correspondents and the Navy while promoting improved communication on national security matters.

According to him, defence journalists serve as a vital link between the armed forces and the public, but limited access to military operations often affects the level of understanding and visibility given to some of the Navy’s accomplishments.

Odita appealed to the Navy to sustain and broaden its journalist-embedding programmes, especially for correspondents based in Abuja, noting that firsthand exposure to military operations helps reporters better understand the realities faced by personnel in the field.

He shared his experience participating in naval and multinational exercises, including Exercise Farauta, Exercise Prosperity in Benin Republic, Obangame Express and naval vessel reception missions, saying such engagements improved his understanding of military operations.

“Such 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 new DECAN executives and described defence correspondents as important partners in promoting public awareness and understanding of military activities.

Folorunsho commended the professionalism of defence journalists and assured that the Nigerian Navy remained committed to maintaining a strong and productive relationship with the media.

He acknowledged previous instances where journalists were embedded in maritime exercises and multinational operations, adding that efforts would be made to expand participation and ensure wider inclusion.

The Naval spokesman disclosed that the Navy was preparing for upcoming regional maritime engagements involving several West African countries, promising that opportunities would be explored to allow more journalists to gain firsthand experience of such operations.

He also announced plans to strengthen informal engagements with journalists through periodic interactions, while encouraging reporters to seek clarification whenever necessary to ensure accurate reporting.

The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deeper cooperation in advancing transparent and effective communication on maritime security and national defence issues.