By: SAMSON ASIJE
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to enhance transparency, effective communication and public engagement on matters of internal security and citizenship integrity.
Tunji-Ojo made this known during a courtesy visit by the NUJ leadership to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, where he described the Ministry of Interior as “the Ministry of the people,” given its core mandate covering citizenship administration, internal security, border management and the protection of national assets.
The minister stressed that the media plays an indispensable role 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 need for proactive dissemination of information to shape public perception and strengthen trust in public institutions.
He described the relationship between the Ministry and the media as a strategic partnership anchored on accountability, transparency and national interest.
Tunji-Ojo welcomed the NUJ’s proposal for structured engagements, including regular press briefings and periodic interface sessions, stating that consistent communication would enable citizens to better understand ongoing reforms and innovations within the Ministry.
While commending journalists for what he termed balanced coverage of the Ministry’s activities, the minister acknowledged that constructive criticism remains vital for institutional growth.
According to him, responsible journalism contributes to policy refinement, strengthens governance processes and promotes informed public discourse.
Earlier, NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya, who led members of the Union’s National Executive Council and FCT Council on the visit, said the engagement was aimed at deepening institutional ties and exploring areas of collaboration.
He commended the Ministry’s reform initiatives in internal security and pledged the Union’s support in promoting national security awareness.
The NUJ proposed quarterly ministerial press briefings to provide Nigerians with direct updates on policy implementation and reforms.
The Union also invited the minister to address its forthcoming National Executive Council meeting to further enlighten stakeholders on the Ministry’s policy directions and achievements.
In addition, the Union sought collaboration on capacity development through its training institute, particularly in enhancing journalists’ understanding 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 on issues affecting internal security and governance.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to institutional collaboration in the service of Nigerians.
