NUJ Press Week 2026: Alhassan Yahya Demands Better Welfare, Protection for Journalists By Raymond Enoch
The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has called for improved welfare, stronger protection, and higher ethical standards for journalists across the country, describing the 2026 Press Week as a period for reflection, professional renewal, and collective advocacy rather than mere celebration.
Speaking during the 2026 Press Week of the NUJ FCT Council, Yahya urged media professionals to recommit themselves to ethical journalism, press freedom, national development, and the protection of democratic values.
According to him, the annual event should inspire journalists to strengthen professionalism and reinforce the media’s responsibility to society.
“Press Week is not merely a ceremonial event. It is a period of introspection, recommitment, and renewed advocacy for ethical journalism, press freedom, national development, and the welfare of media professionals across Nigeria,” he stated.
The NUJ President highlighted the rapidly evolving media landscape, noting that digital communication, artificial intelligence, citizen journalism, misinformation, and disinformation have continued to reshape journalism practice while exposing reporters to growing security risks.
Despite these challenges, Yahya commended Nigerian journalists for their resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to truth, accountability, and public service.
Describing journalists as custodians of democracy, he stressed that a vibrant and independent press remains essential for transparency, justice, and good governance.
“Without a vibrant and independent press, democracy itself becomes vulnerable,” he said.
Yahya also applauded the NUJ FCT Council for its strategic contributions toward strengthening professional journalism and promoting media excellence within the Federal Capital Territory.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent threats confronting journalists, including harassment, intimidation, attacks, poor remuneration, job insecurity, and unsafe working conditions.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists remains resolute in advocating for better welfare, improved working conditions, insurance protection, prompt payment of salaries, and greater institutional support for journalists nationwide,” he emphasized.
“A journalist who works under fear, uncertainty, or hardship cannot effectively discharge the sacred responsibility of informing society.”
The NUJ President disclosed that the union is actively engaging government institutions, media proprietors, development partners, and critical stakeholders to prioritize journalists’ welfare and safety.
On capacity building, Yahya said the future of journalism belongs to professionals who are adaptable, technologically skilled, fact-driven, and ethically grounded.
“Our credibility remains our greatest asset,” he noted, urging journalists to resist sensationalism, political manipulation, ethnic bias, and other forms of unprofessional conduct.
He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote fact-checking, digital literacy, investigative journalism, and ethical reporting standards.
The NUJ President further appealed to governments at all levels to respect press freedom and uphold democratic principles, stressing that journalists are partners in nation-building and not adversaries of the state.
He also urged security agencies to protect journalists in the lawful discharge of their duties, noting that democracy thrives where the media operates freely without fear or intimidation.
In his closing remarks, Yahya called on journalists to embrace unity, mentorship, professionalism, and the preservation of the integrity of the profession, while paying tribute to veteran media practitioners whose sacrifices laid the foundation for contemporary journalism practice in Nigeria.
He stressed that Nigeria’s complex political, economic, and social realities make the role of the media more important than ever, urging journalists to promote peace, national unity, responsible dialogue, and issue-based reporting.
“Let this Press Week serve as a platform for renewed collaboration between the media, government, civil society, and the Nigerian people in pursuit of a more just, peaceful, and prosperous nation,” he concluded.
