ONSA, DECAN strengthen partnership to promote responsible security reporting

Renewed collaboration on security reporting

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.

The renewed commitment was made on Wednesday during 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, Dr. Chido Onumah, in Abuja.

The visit formed part of DECAN's ongoing engagement with key institutions in the defence and security sector aimed at deepening collaboration and improving public communication on national security matters.

DECAN outlines requests and priorities

Speaking during the meeting, Odita expressed appreciation to Dr. Onumah for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed the association'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 covering the ONSA in official engagements.

DECAN is ready to partner with your office to ensure the activities of the ONSA receive the publicity they deserve. Our members are committed to promoting factual reporting that projects the positive image of our country,

— Chief Odita Sunday, President, Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria

He also urged the ONSA to provide opportunities for reporters who cover the office regularly to participate in official engagements alongside their editors to facilitate more informed and in-depth reporting.

According to him, establishing a dedicated press centre outside the ONSA complex would improve media operations while maintaining security within the facility.

Focus on training and media development

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

He disclosed that DECAN would launch its quarterly publication, The Defence Correspondent, in October 2026 as part of efforts to enrich public discourse on defence and security issues.

The requests presented by the association centred on building media capacity and improving access to official information in ways that support both effective reporting and security considerations.

ONSA responds to DECAN's proposals

Responding, Dr. Onumah commended the DECAN leadership for the visit and acknowledged the vital role defence correspondents play in enhancing public understanding of national security matters.

He assured the delegation that their requests would be presented to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for consideration.

Dr. Onumah also underscored the importance of continuous capacity building for journalists covering the security sector, saying well-trained reporters contribute significantly to national security through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.

Training will better position defence correspondents to report security issues with greater understanding, professionalism and responsibility,

— Dr. Chido Onumah, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison to the National Security Adviser, Office of the National Security Adviser

He 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.