Improving National Security through Strategic Communication and Broadcast Policy Reforms in Nigeria

Background: Nigeria’s national security landscape has traditionally been shaped by militarised doctrines focusing primarily on territorial threats, largely neglecting the communicative dimensions of insecurity. However, contemporary threats such as terrorism, secessionist agitations, misinformation, and cyber warfare have exposed the inadequacies of this narrow approach. The main problem addressed in this study is the disconnect between Nigeria’s national security strategy and its communication strategies which has resulted in fragmented communication, weak crisis messaging, and the proliferation of disinformation. Objective: The study examined how national security in Nigeria can be enhanced through strong broadcast policy reforms and implementation of strategic communication frameworks. Method: Anchored on the Agenda-Setting and Framing theories, the study adopted a qualitative, library-based approach and critically reviewed policy documents, scholarly works, and empirical studies relevant to the broadcast-security nexus. Results: Findings show that Nigeria’s current broadcast policy, governed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), lacks alignment with national security objectives, thereby weakening its role in crisis communication and ideological counter-narratives. Conclusion: The study concludes that broadcast media, when properly regulated, can serve as a vital soft power instrument for national stability and social cohesion. Unique Contribution: The study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive framework for broadcast policy reforms that prioritises national security. The study's findings have implications for policymakers, broadcast regulators, and scholars interested in strategic communication and national security. Key Recommendation: The study recommends the institutionalisation of a national strategic communication framework, the revision of NBC codes to include crisis-sensitive protocols, and the inclusion of peace journalism and public enlightenment quotas in broadcasting licences.