The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on security in the FCT, citing the alarming rise in criminal activities and the urgent need to safeguard lives and property.
This was part of a communique issued at the end of the union’s Congress held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the NUJ Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja. The communique was jointly signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, and the Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle.
The Congress also urged relevant government agencies to address the persistent water shortages affecting several parts of the FCT, including Kado Estate. Members expressed concern over the poor performance of the FCT Water Board and emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental human right.
Journalists at the meeting further decried the reckless felling of trees and called on the FCT Administration to launch an aggressive tree-planting campaign to mitigate the effects of climate change. The union also appealed for the rehabilitation of pedestrian walkways to ensure cleaner and safer mobility across the city.
While commending the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his ongoing infrastructural interventions particularly in road construction and the development of new bus terminals the union urged the administration to extend these efforts to underserved areas.
In addressing internal issues, the NUJ FCT Council expressed concern over the deteriorating state of its Congress Hall, raising safety fears and calling for urgent renovation to avoid potential hazards.
The Congress also spotlighted the growing economic hardship among media professionals, with many journalists struggling to pay their children’s school fees. It warned that the increasing number of out-of-school children within journalists’ families was a disturbing trend that must be addressed.
Members working in privately owned media outfits used the opportunity to condemn poor remuneration and unfavourable working conditions. They urged media owners to prioritize staff welfare or suspend operations until they can meet industry standards.
The Congress concluded by commending the current NUJ FCT Executive Committee for its efforts in repositioning the union and prioritizing members’ welfare amid the prevailing economic challenges.
