The Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and policy institutions as a critical strategy for addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Speaking at a dinner with members of the press on April 14, 2026, at the Institute in Kuru, Omotayo identified insecurity, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, as complex threats requiring coordinated national responses beyond military intervention. He stressed that such challenges test not only state institutions but also the collective resolve of society.
The NIPSS Director-General emphasized that the media plays a central role in shaping public understanding of security issues, noting that how conflicts are reported can either help stabilise or further inflame fragile situations. He cautioned against sensationalism and the dissemination of unverified information, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy, context, and professionalism in their reporting.
According to him, responsible journalism is a vital component of national security, as it can promote calm, foster unity, and support informed public discourse during periods of uncertainty. He added that the media’s influence extends to determining how citizens perceive both threats and government responses.
Omotayo further highlighted the role of NIPSS as a centre for strategic reflection and policy innovation, contributing research-based recommendations and facilitating dialogue among key stakeholders, including government, academia, civil society, and the media. He noted that effective security management depends on such multi-sectoral engagement.
He also acknowledged the importance of timely access to credible information, pledging that the Institute would enhance its engagement with journalists to support accurate and informed reporting on security matters.
Reaffirming the need for partnership, the NIPSS boss described the relationship between the media and policy institutions as indispensable to national stability. He urged both sides to work together in advancing a shared objective of a secure, united, and resilient Nigeria.
(Culled from X @NIPSSKuru)