ONSA, Defence Correspondents Strengthen Partnership on Responsible Security Reporting

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at promoting accurate, responsible and professional reporting on national security issues.

The renewed partnership was announced following a courtesy visit by the leadership of DECAN, led by its President, Chief Odita Sunday, to the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison to the National Security Adviser, Chido Onumah, in Abuja.

The visit, according to a statement signed by DECAN President, Chief Odita Sunday, and made available through the association's General Secretary, Musa Umar Bologi, formed part of the association's ongoing engagement with key institutions in the defence and security sector to enhance cooperation and improve public communication on security matters.

Speaking during the meeting, Odita expressed appreciation to Onumah for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed DECAN's commitment to supporting the Office of the National Security Adviser through factual, balanced and professional journalism.

He urged the ONSA to grant greater access to its official activities, provide specialised training for defence correspondents, establish a dedicated media centre and ensure journalists who regularly cover the office are included in official engagements.

According to him, the association remains committed to ensuring that the activities of the ONSA receive adequate publicity while promoting reports that project Nigeria positively.

He also stressed the need for journalists covering the ONSA to participate in official engagements alongside their editors to enable more comprehensive and informed reporting.

To improve media operations without compromising security, Odita proposed the establishment of a dedicated press centre outside the ONSA complex where journalists could interact with officials more conveniently.

He further appealed for continuous professional development programmes for defence correspondents, particularly in emerging security threats, intelligence reporting and other evolving aspects of national security.

As part of efforts to deepen public understanding of defence and security issues, Odita announced that DECAN would launch its quarterly publication, The Defence Correspondent, in October 2026.

Responding, Dr. Onumah commended the DECAN leadership for the visit and acknowledged the important role defence correspondents play in promoting 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.

Onumah also underscored the importance of regular capacity building programmes for journalists covering the security sector, noting that well-trained reporters contribute to national security through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.

He added 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.