By Isiyaka Ismail
The Directorate of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has sought collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to promote responsible reporting, combat misinformation and strengthen public awareness of national security issues.
The appeal was made during a familiarisation visit to the NUJ National Secretariat, where discussions focused on protecting critical national infrastructure, countering misinformation and ensuring that the public receives accurate and verified information.
The delegation expressed concern over misleading reports involving telecommunications and other essential service providers, warning that unverified claims could misinform citizens and undermine public confidence in critical national services.
The Director, Air Vice Marshal Effiom, who led the delegation, urged journalists to conduct thorough investigations and verify information before publication or broadcast. He also proposed the development of NUJ-led guidelines for reporting issues involving critical service providers.
Responding, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, appreciated the delegation for recognising the Union as a strategic partner in promoting national security, public enlightenment and responsible journalism.
Yahya assured the delegation of the Union’s readiness to collaborate with the Directorate, stressing that professional journalism remains vital to national development, public awareness and the promotion of Nigeria’s collective interests.