The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity, decaying infrastructure, and threats to press freedom in the country, calling for urgent government action.
This is contained in a communiqué at the end of the National Executives Council Meeting meeting, held in Kano and presided over by NUJ National President, Alhasan Yahya.
The NEC condemned rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in Benue, Zamfara, Plateau, and other states, warning that the situation threatens national unity.
It urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace and prevent further lawlessness.
Roads
The NUJ also decried the poor state of federal and state roads particularly in Delta, Bauchi, Gombe Taraba, Benue, Rivers, Enugu, and Kogi describing them as “death traps” that disrupt economic activities and cost lives.
It called for urgent rehabilitation of the critical road networks.
Media Relations
On media relations, the NUJ NEC criticised the “unprofessional conduct” of some Chief Press Secretaries to state governors, accusing them of hostility towards journalists and obstructing NUJ leaders’ access to their principals.
It reminded CPS officials that their duty is to facilitate engagement, not hinder it.
The NUJ NEC meeting also passed a vote of confidence on Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his support of press freedom and inclusive governance, describing his open-door policy as a model for others.
Commendations were also extended to Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for facilitating payment of outstanding entitlements to former New Nigeria Newspapers staff, and to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for donating SUVs to NUJ State Working Committee members.
The NEC reaffirmed its confidence in the national leadership of the Union under Comrade Yahya, praising his commitment to journalists’ welfare.
Unnecessary censorship
It further called for full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage across media organisations, improved welfare packages for journalists, and an end to unnecessary censorship of the press by state governments.
On disaster management, the NEC urged for proactive measures to prevent flooding, including early warning systems, clearing drainage channels, and relocating residents in high-risk areas, stressing that prevention is cheaper and safer than post-disaster relief.
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and democratic ideals, the NUJ called on all levels of government to see the media as partners in national development, transparency, and accountability.
The NEC Meeting brought together delegates from across the nation to review critical national issues and the welfare of journalists.
Lateefah Ibrahim