NUJ FCT Congress Urges Government to Tackle Insecurity, Protect Schools and Address Water Challenges By Raymond Enoch

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, has issued a strong call for urgent and decisive measures to tackle Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, following a well-attended Congress that brought together more than 500 journalists in Abuja.

The Congress, held on June 6, 2026, ended with far-reaching resolutions aimed at strengthening national security, safeguarding educational institutions, improving public accountability, and enhancing the welfare and safety of journalists across the country.

In a communiqué released at the end of the gathering, members expressed deep concern over the prevailing security situation in the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of Nigeria, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property while restoring public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.

The journalists emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting accountability and informed public discourse, pledging to continue reporting security developments accurately, objectively, and responsibly in the public interest.

The Congress also urged media practitioners to remain vigilant and prioritize their personal safety while carrying out professional duties, especially amid growing concerns over threats faced by journalists in the line of duty.

A major highlight of the deliberations was the demand for greater transparency in official security communications. The Congress stressed that information released by security agencies must accurately reflect realities on the ground, particularly in cases involving kidnappings, abductions, and other security breaches.

According to the communiqué, honest and timely communication remains essential for building public trust and ensuring citizens are adequately informed about security developments.

The Congress further renewed calls for the full implementation of the Safe School Initiative, warning that continued attacks on schools and the abduction of students pose serious threats to Nigeria’s future.

Members urged federal and state governments to strengthen protection around educational institutions through perimeter fencing, deployment of security personnel, including operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the adoption of other proactive security measures.

The congress maintained that the protection of pupils, students, teachers, and educational facilities must be treated as a national emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Beyond security concerns, the Congress drew attention to persistent water supply challenges affecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory. Journalists called on the FCT Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority to urgently address the situation and ease the hardship faced by thousands of residents.

In another key resolution, the Congress appealed to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to deepen engagement with journalists and strengthen collaboration with the media on issues of security reporting and public information management.

Participants noted that a stronger relationship between government institutions and the media would improve public understanding of government policies and facilitate more effective dissemination of information.

The Congress also called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists National Secretariat to organize regular seminars, workshops, and conferences on security reporting to equip journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to cover complex security issues professionally and safely.

Reaffirming its commitment to public-interest journalism, the Congress pledged continued support for policies and initiatives that promote peace, security, good governance, and national development.

The successful Congress, attended by over 500 members, is being viewed as one of the most significant gatherings of journalists in the FCT this year, reflecting the profession’s growing determination to contribute meaningfully to national security, public accountability, and sustainable development.