NUJ to FG: Tackle Insecurity, Rebuild Roads, Enforce Media Wage | Commends Leadership, Governors of Kano, Gombe, Akwa Ibom.
By Raymond Enoch
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to address the worsening insecurity, decaying infrastructure, and increasing media repression across the country. This call was made at the end of the Union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Kano on August 12, 2025, where pressing national issues and the welfare of journalists were exhaustively deliberated. The meeting culminated in a communiqué signed by Achike Chude, National Secretary, and members of the Communiqué Drafting Committee: Zare Baba (Chairman, VP Zone E), Mahmood Olayinka Alaya (Secretary, Kwara Council), Umar Sa’idu (Chairman, Bauchi Council), Comrade Bemdoo Ugber (Chairman, Benue Council), and Aisha Ahmed (Secretary, Jigawa Council).
In a strongly-worded communiqué, the Union expressed deep concern over the spate of banditry, violent killings and crimes, particularly in Benue, Zamfara, and Plateau States. The NEC warned that unless the Federal Government intensifies security efforts and reclaims control, Nigeria risks sliding further into anarchy and instability. It stressed that protecting the lives and property of citizens must be treated as a matter of national urgency, not political rhetoric.
The Union also decried the deplorable state of federal and state roads across the country, listing Delta, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, Benue, Rivers, Enugu, and Kogi States as areas where critical roads have become death traps. According to the NEC, the failure of successive administrations to rehabilitate key road networks has disrupted economic activities, endangered lives, and exposed the government’s disregard for basic infrastructure needs. The NUJ urged immediate intervention from both federal and state authorities to commence and fast-track repairs on these failing roads.
Beyond infrastructure and insecurity, the NEC took issue with the rising wave of media obstruction and professional misconduct by some Chief Press Secretaries (CPS) to State Governors. It cited instances where CPS have deliberately hindered NUJ leaders from accessing their governors and have resorted to unprofessional behavior that undermines the media’s role in a democratic society. The Union reminded state governments that CPS are not political enforcers but communication bridges between public institutions and the press. It called on governors to rein in their aides and ensure unhindered engagement with journalists.
Despite its criticisms, the NUJ reserved high praise for exemplary leadership across three states. The NEC passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his media-friendly policies, open-door governance, and unwavering commitment to press freedom. The Union described his administration as a shining example of inclusive governance and urged other governors to emulate his approach.
The Union also lauded the Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his commendable role in facilitating the long-awaited payment of outstanding entitlements to former staff of the defunct New Nigeria Newspapers. The NEC said this intervention was not only humane but a testament to Governor Yahaya’s dedication to justice and the welfare of workers.
In a similar vein, the NEC applauded the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for his unprecedented donation of eleven brand-new SUVs to members of the State Working Committee of the NUJ Akwa Ibom Council. This generous gesture, the Union said, reflects a deep appreciation for the press and sends a strong signal of respect for the journalism profession.
The NEC also passed a vote of confidence on NUJ National President, Comrade Alhasan Yahya, and his leadership team for their visionary and steady stewardship of the Union. It praised their tireless efforts in safeguarding media freedom, pushing for improved working conditions, and advancing the professional standing of journalists nationwide.
In a key resolution, the Union called on Federal and State Governments to ensure the full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage within all media organisations in Nigeria. It also urged the provision of adequate welfare packages for journalists, many of whom continue to work under severe economic and physical risks. Furthermore, the NEC warned state governments to desist from arbitrary censorship or subtle clampdowns on media houses operating within their jurisdictions, emphasizing that freedom of the press is non-negotiable in any functioning democracy.
On environmental concerns, the NEC urged authorities to adopt proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential flood disasters in the coming months. It stressed the need for improved early warning systems, regular clearing of drainage systems, enforcement of environmental laws, and timely relocation of at-risk communities. The Union stated that preventive action is far more effective and less costly than emergency relief efforts after disasters occur.
In conclusion, the Nigeria Union of Journalists reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, defending democratic values, and serving as a pillar of national accountability. It called on all tiers of government and public institutions to collaborate with the media in advancing transparency, good governance, and the collective development of the nation.
