AGBO, SAMUEL
Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Cross River State
Corresponding Author’s email: agbosam09@gmail.com
Abstract
The aim of the study is to investigate the role of the media in Nigeria’s national security strategy. This study examine the role of the media in Nigeria’s national security strategy, identify the challenges faced by the media in contributing to national security, and propose strategies to enhance the media’s effectiveness in promoting national security. A descriptive survey design was employed for this study, utilizing a sample size of 300 respondents. A five-item questionnaire with Yes or No responses was administered to gather data. The data collected was analyzed using chi-square tests to test three hypotheses related to the media’s role, challenges faced, and strategies for enhancing effectiveness. The analysis revealed that the media plays a significant role in Nigeria’s national security strategy by raising public awareness, disseminating critical information, fostering a culture of vigilance, holding security agencies accountable, and countering extremist narratives. The study also identified significant challenges faced by the media, including political and economic pressures, misinformation, threats and intimidation of journalists, limited resources, and maintaining ethical standards. Furthermore, effective strategies to enhance the media’s role were identified, such as improving media training on security issues, fostering partnerships between media and security agencies, promoting media independence, implementing strict fact-checking procedures, and supporting investigative journalism. The study recommends that media organizations should invest in regular training for journalists on security issues to enhance their reporting capabilities