DECAN Seeks Expanded Access to Naval Operations, Stronger Media-Navy Collaboration

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has called for stronger institutional collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, urging increased opportunities for journalists to participate in naval operations, exercises and strategic maritime engagements to enhance accurate and informed security reporting.

The call was made during a courtesy visit by the newly elected DECAN executives to the Directorate of Naval Information in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking during the visit, DECAN President, Sunday Odita, said the association was committed to deepening its longstanding relationship with the Navy and strengthening cooperation in national security communication.

He noted that defence correspondents serve as a critical link between the military and the public, adding that many operational successes of the Nigerian Navy often receive limited media attention due to inadequate access to military activities.

Odita appealed to the Navy to sustain and expand its journalist-embedding programmes, particularly for Abuja-based defence correspondents, stressing that such initiatives provide reporters with firsthand experience of military operations and improve the quality of security reporting.

Drawing from his experiences during previous naval and multinational exercises, including Exercise Farauta, Exercise Prosperity in Benin Republic, Obangame Express and naval vessel reception missions, Odita said direct exposure to military operations enables journalists to report more accurately and responsibly.

Responding, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, congratulated the newly elected DECAN leadership and described defence correspondents as indispensable partners in shaping public understanding of military activities.

He commended the professionalism of defence reporters and reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining a productive relationship with the media.

Folorunsho acknowledged concerns about wider participation in naval engagements and assured that efforts would be made to improve inclusiveness, especially ahead of upcoming regional maritime exercises involving several West African countries.

He also disclosed plans to strengthen informal interactions with journalists through periodic engagements and encouraged media practitioners to seek clarification on issues of concern to ensure accurate reporting.