The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to enhance transparency, effective communication, and public engagement on matters of internal security and citizenship integrity.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the NUJ leadership to the Ministry in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo described the Ministry of Interior as “the Ministry of the people,” stressing that its core mandate: citizenship integrity, internal security, border management, and the protection of national assets, directly impacts every Nigerian. He emphasized the indispensable role of the media in democratic governance, noting that government institutions cannot operate in isolation. “Where facts are not made available, assumptions take their place,” he said, underscoring the importance of proactive information dissemination in shaping public perception and strengthening trust in public institutions.
The Minister welcomed proposals for structured engagements, including regular press briefings and periodic interface sessions, stating that consistent communication would enable citizens to better understand reforms and innovations being implemented within the Ministry. He commended the media for balanced coverage of the Ministry’s activities and acknowledged that constructive criticism plays a vital role in institutional improvement, policy refinement, and informed public discourse.
Earlier, NUJ National President Alhassan Yahaya, accompanied by members of the National Executive Council and FCT Council, said the visit was aimed at fostering stronger institutional ties and exploring areas of collaboration. He commended the Ministry’s reform initiatives in internal security and expressed the Union’s commitment to partnering with relevant agencies to promote national security awareness. The NUJ proposed quarterly ministerial press briefings to provide Nigerians with direct updates on the Ministry’s activities and reforms, and extended an invitation to the Minister to address its forthcoming National Executive Council meeting.
The Union also sought collaboration in capacity development through its training institute, focusing on equipping journalists with deeper knowledge of security reporting, national interest considerations, and responsible information dissemination.
Both parties agreed that sustained dialogue and structured engagement are essential to strengthening public confidence, promoting national cohesion, and ensuring that citizens remain well-informed about matters affecting internal security and governance. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to institutional collaboration in the service of the Nigerian people.
By Aaron Ossai, Abuja
