The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has called for improved welfare, enhanced protection, and stricter ethical standards for journalists across Nigeria, describing the 2026 Press Week as a period for reflection and renewed professional commitment rather than mere celebration.
Speaking during the 2026 Press Week lecture organised by the NUJ FCT Council in Abuja, Yahya urged media practitioners to recommit themselves to ethical journalism, press freedom, national development, and the welfare of journalists nationwide.
According to him, Press Week should serve as a platform for introspection, professional advancement, unity, and advocacy within the media profession.
“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, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation have continued to reshape journalism practice. He also pointed to increasing security threats confronting journalists in the line of duty.
Despite the challenges, Yahya commended Nigerian journalists for their resilience, courage, and dedication to truth, accountability, and democratic governance.
“Journalists are custodians of democracy,” he said, stressing that a vibrant and independent press remains vital for justice, transparency, and good governance.
“Without a vibrant and independent press, democracy itself becomes vulnerable,” he added.
Yahya praised the NUJ FCT Council for its role in promoting professional journalism and media excellence in the nation’s capital, while commending members for their unity and dedication to the profession.
He identified major challenges facing journalists to include attacks, harassment, intimidation, poor remuneration, job insecurity, and unsafe working conditions, calling for urgent interventions to safeguard the integrity of journalism in Nigeria.
“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 said.
“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 engaging government institutions, media owners, development partners, and other stakeholders to prioritize journalists’ welfare and protection.
On professional development, Yahya stressed that the future of journalism belongs to practitioners who are adaptable, technologically driven, fact-oriented, 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 strengthening fact-checking, digital literacy, investigative reporting, and ethical journalism standards across the country.
Yahya also appealed to governments at all levels to uphold press freedom and democratic principles, emphasizing that journalists are partners in nation building and not enemies of the state.
He further urged security agencies to protect journalists while carrying out their lawful duties, noting that democracy thrives where the media operates freely without intimidation or fear.
The NUJ president concluded by calling on journalists to embrace unity, mentorship, and professionalism while preserving the dignity of the profession. He also paid tribute to veteran journalists whose sacrifices laid the foundation for contemporary journalism practice in Nigeria.
He stressed that amid Nigeria’s political, economic, and social transitions, the media must continue 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 said.
