2nd Year Anniversary: President Tinubu Security Sector Reorganization And Investment In Technology Yielding Results-Hon Babajimi Benson

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Honourable Babajimi Benson, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two years in office have witnessed significant reforms both in governance and security.

This was gathered on Thursday, 29th of May 2025 at Radisson Blue Hotel, ikerja Lagos during his speech at the 6th edition of Timeline Awareness initiative lecture/ awards tittled: “Importance Of The Media In Information Gathering, Disclosure In The Face Of Security Challenges: The Achievement Of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu And Other Barriers’.

Read his full speech below;

Protocol Observed
It is with a profound sense of responsibility and patriotism that I address you today at the 6th Timeline Awareness Initiative Lecture and Awards.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, and in the presence of distinguished guests, I am greatly honoured to discuss this critical topic, which I have rephrased simply as: “The Strategic Role of the Media in Enhancing Nigeria’s National Security.”

In today’s interconnected world, the information domain has emerged as a vital battle space. Narratives and perceptions, shaped by the media, can significantly influence the outcome of military operations and national security efforts.

The media, as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm,” is not only a conduit for truth but also a bridge between the people and their government.

Its influence extends beyond reporting; it shapes public awareness, sways attitudes, and informs decision-making, making it indispensable to our democracy and security architecture.

The Media’s Strategic Functions in National Security
-Information Gathering and Disclosure: In an era of complex security threats – ranging from insurgency and banditry to kidnapping and communal conflicts – the media’s role transcends traditional reporting.

Through diligent investigative journalism and grassroots reporting, the media provides early warning, situational awareness, and real-time intelligence invaluable to our security agencies.

-Shaping Public Perception: Favourable and accurate media coverage builds public trust, fosters unity, and supports national morale. By disseminating timely and factual information, the media prevents adversaries from controlling the narrative, counters misinformation, and eliminates fear and panic.

-Transparency and Accountability: The media hold government and security agencies accountable, ensuring optimal resource deployment and respect for human rights. This oversight strengthens public confidence in our institutions, especially the Armed Forces, and promotes transparency.

-Strategic Communication: The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recognized the media’s significance by integrating media considerations into their strategic communication plans.

This coordination across military units, government agencies, and media representatives ensures unified messaging and maximizes operational impact.

-Crisis and Information Warfare Management: During crises, timely and accurate communication through the media is essential for managing public order, controlling narratives, and preventing the spread of rumours.

In modern conflicts, psychological operations and information warfare leverage the media to demoralize adversaries and win civilian support.

Achievements and Ongoing Efforts
Under the visionary and people-centric leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria has witnessed significant reforms in governance and security. His administration has prioritized:
– Security sector reorganization and investment in technology and intelligence.
– Community-centric counterterrorism and policing initiatives.
– Strengthening regional and international cooperation, such as the Multi-National Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin, to combat trans-border crimes and terrorism financing.
– Economic stability and structural re-engineering through local government autonomy as non-kinetic security strategies, including youth empowerment through student loan schemes and consumer credit initiatives.

The media has played a vital role in amplifying these achievements and holding the administration accountable, ensuring that the government’s actions are transparent and responsive to the needs of the people.

Challenges Facing the Media
Despite its achievements, the media faces several challenges in reporting on security issues:
– Limited Access to Reliable Information: Journalists often struggle to obtain timely, verified data, leading to reliance on unofficial sources and the risk of spreading misinformation.
– Misinformation and Sensationalism: The pursuit of “breaking news” can sometimes result in ethical dilemmas, sensationalized reporting, and inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information.
– Safety of Journalists: Many media practitioners operate in dangerous environments, facing risks of harassment, intimidation, or even death. This undermines both their ability to report and the public’s right to know.
– Resource Constraints: Local media houses often lack the resources for in-depth investigative reporting on security matters.
– Navigating the Digital Landscape: The rise of social media and online platforms has transformed communication, requiring the media and security agencies to counter misinformation promptly and engage directly with citizens in real time.

Strengthening the Media-Security Partnership
To maximize the positive impact of the media on national security, we must:
– Build the capacity of media practitioners in conflict-sensitive reporting, security protocols, and digital verification tools.
– Reinforce ethical guidelines that prioritize national security and public safety without compromising journalistic integrity.
– Enhance dialogue and collaboration between security agencies, government officials, and media practitioners to foster mutual respect and clear communication, especially during crises.
– Promote media literacy among the public, empowering citizens to discern credible information from propaganda.
– Ensure the safety and protection of journalists, enabling them to report without fear of reprisal.

Conclusion
The media is a strategic partner, not an outsider, in Nigeria’s national security architecture. As we navigate our security challenges, we must cultivate a media landscape that is free but accountable, vibrant but truthful, critical but constructive. By embracing responsible reporting, leveraging modern communication technologies, and forging stronger partnerships among the media, government, security agencies, and citizens, we can collectively overcome the security challenges confronting our nation.

Let us continue to support the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and rise – legislators, journalists, civil society and citizens alike – to the task of building a safer, stronger, and more informed Nigeria.

God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

References:
[1] A. E. Owoeye, “Crisis Communication in the Nigeria Military: The Role of
Spokespersons,” Journal of Military Studies, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 115-130,
2021.

[2] F. M. Salisu, “Social Media as a Tool for Military Communications: The
Case of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” African Journal of Communication, vol.
8, no. 4, pp. 217-233, 2022.

[3] T. N. Olawale, “The Impact of Public Relations on the Nigerian Military: A
Study of the Spokesperson’s Role,” International Journal of Defence
Communication, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 78-89, 2023.