The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised concern over rising fuel prices, persistent water scarcity, and the growing activities of “one chance” robbery syndicates in Abuja, urged government authorities to take urgent steps to address the challenges affecting residents.
The concerns were contained in a communiqué issued at the NUJ FCT Council Congress held on Saturday in Abuja, where members deliberated extensively on issues affecting the welfare of citizens and the general state of affairs in the territory and the country.
The Council expressed worry over the continuous increase in the price of fuel and its far-reaching impact on the cost of living for Nigerians. It therefore called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently introduce measures that would cushion the economic hardship currently being experienced by citizens.
On water supply, the union lamented the prolonged scarcity of potable water in several parts of the FCT and urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to address the situation promptly to prevent possible outbreaks of communicable diseases that could arise from poor hygiene caused by lack of water.
Congress also decried the persistent problem of irregular electricity supply across the country, particularly within the FCT, and called on relevant authorities to take urgent steps to stabilise power supply in order to improve economic productivity and the quality of life of residents.
The journalists further expressed concern that the new minimum wage approved for federal government workers since last year had yet to be fully implemented, urging the Federal Government to expedite action on the process to ease the economic difficulties currently faced by workers.
The Congress also noted the resurgence of refuse heaps in several locations across the territory and called on the FCTA to ensure prompt evacuation and proper management of waste in order to prevent possible outbreaks of diseases and maintain environmental sanitation.
On environmental issues, the union warned against increasing cases of deforestation within the territory, particularly the indiscriminate cutting down of Melina trees, and urged both government authorities and residents to promote tree planting and environmental conservation as part of efforts to mitigate rising heat waves in the FCT.
Congress also expressed concern over the increasing number of mentally ill persons roaming the streets of Abuja and called on the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant government agencies to take immediate steps to rehabilitate and provide necessary care for such individuals in the interest of public safety and human dignity.
It also raised alarm over the growing activities of “one chance” robbery syndicates across parts of the territory, urged the FCT Minister, security agencies and other law enforcement authorities to restrategise and intensify security operations to tackle the menace and ensure the safety of residents and commuters.
The NUJ FCT Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies and actions that promote good governance, public welfare and sustainable development, while urging relevant authorities to treat the issues raised with urgency in the interest of residents of the FCT and Nigerians at large.
