The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)has renewed its push for the completion of its long‑abandoned secretariat and for the allocation of mass housing for media practitioners in the capital.
At a strategic meeting with senior officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on Monday, the NUJ FCT delegation, led by its first female chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, highlighted three core priorities: finishing the NUJ FCT secretariat, establishing a modern training and mentorship hub, and securing mass‑housing units for journalists.
Comrade Ike emphasized that the request goes beyond bricks and mortar. “We are frontline agents of democracy, accountability and development,” she said. “Proper infrastructure would greatly improve our ability to fulfil our national duties.”
In response, FCDA Executive Secretary Engr. Richard Yonana Dauda acknowledged the importance of the union’s demands but noted that infrastructure decisions involve multiple layers of approval and are subject to extensive committee review throughout the year. He explained that funding remains a critical constraint, with many competing projects across the FCT.
To move the secretariat project forward, Engr. Dauda indicated that the Director of Public Buildings would conduct an on‑site assessment of the site. The NUJ FCT Council welcomed the proposal and pledged to follow the required procedures while maintaining constructive engagement with the FCDA.
The meeting, which concluded without immediate commitments, underscored a growing spirit of collaboration between journalists and city development authorities. With a woman now at the helm of the NUJ FCT, the session also reflected a broader shift toward inclusiveness and dialogue in Nigeria’s professional landscape.
The union said it will continue its advocacy, viewing Monday’s engagement as a meaningful step toward securing a functional secretariat and housing support for journalists serving the nation’s capital.
