By Augustine Martha, Abuja
NUJ FCT Demands Greater Police-Media Partnership to Amplify Women’s Leadership in Security
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called for deeper collaboration between journalists and the Nigeria Police Force to promote gender inclusion, strengthen accountability and showcase the growing contributions of women to national security.
The call was made during the Nigeria Policewomen Conference (NPWC) 2026 held in Abuja with the theme: “Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Policing for Inclusive Security and Sustainable Reform.”
The conference, which attracted senior police officers, government officials, development partners and civil society organisations, focused on strategies to expand women’s leadership roles and drive sustainable reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.
Representing the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, the Council’s Auditor, Comrade Rosemary Ukoko-Tega, said the media has not been sufficiently integrated into discussions on gender mainstreaming and police reform initiatives.
She stressed that the NUJ FCT Council was committed to changing the narrative by building stronger partnerships with security institutions to ensure that women’s achievements in policing receive adequate public attention.
According to Ukoko-Tega, gender-sensitive policing and an independent media are essential partners in promoting transparency, accountability and public confidence in law enforcement.
She noted that consistent and professional media coverage would help highlight reforms, celebrate successful initiatives and encourage institutions to remain committed to inclusive policies.
She also pointed out that with over 2,000 journalists operating in the FCT, the media has the capacity to influence public conversations and drive institutional responsiveness through accurate and timely reporting.
The NUJ representative called for a more cooperative relationship between the police and the media, urging the establishment of dedicated police liaison officers to strengthen communication and information sharing.
She also encouraged female police officers to actively promote their achievements, programmes and experiences to improve public understanding of their contributions to security operations.
Participants at the conference emphasised the need to increase visibility for women in policing, noting that several accomplishments by female officers in leadership, investigations and community security efforts often receive limited media coverage.
In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Director of Force Medical Services, AIG Nkechi Eze, said the revival of the Nigeria Policewomen Conference demonstrated the commitment of the Force to building a more inclusive and professional policing system.
The IGP praised the contributions of women officers in critical areas including criminal investigations, forensic science, tactical operations, peacekeeping missions and international assignments.
However, he acknowledged persistent challenges such as limited mentorship opportunities, welfare concerns and obstacles affecting career progression among female officers.
He urged stakeholders to develop practical solutions that would strengthen mentorship programmes, improve leadership opportunities and create a more supportive environment for women across the police institution.
The conference also recognised the role of international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, the Government of Germany and GS-Foundation, in supporting police reforms and initiatives aimed at advancing women’s leadership.
The NUJ FCT Council reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigeria Police Force to improve access to information on gender reforms and promote greater public awareness of the role of policewomen in national security.
The Council said a stronger partnership between the media and law enforcement would enhance transparency, build public trust and contribute to a safer society.
The Nigeria Policewomen Conference 2026 was organised by the Nigeria Police Force in partnership with the UNDP, Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, GS-Foundation and UN Women at the United Nations House, Abuja.
