The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has called on journalists and media organisations to uphold professional ethics, accuracy and responsible journalism as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Council’s October 2026 Congress held in Abuja, where members deliberated on issues affecting journalists, the Union, the media industry and the nation.
The communiqué, signed by Princess Joy Idam, Gift Chapi Odekina and Funke Ishola, urged journalists to exercise caution in the gathering, verification and publication of political information, particularly reports capable of inflaming tensions, misleading the public or undermining peaceful democratic participation.
Congress stressed the importance of fact-checking information before publication and giving relevant parties a fair opportunity to respond to allegations, while reiterating the need for members to comply with the NUJ Code of Ethics and other professional standards.
The Congress also urged journalists to make greater use of the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee when resolving professional and ethical disputes involving fellow practitioners, rather than taking such matters directly to security agencies or other external institutions without first exhausting the Union’s internal mechanisms.
It noted that the committee provided an established platform for addressing complaints and disagreements among journalists in line with the principles and procedures of the Union.
The Congress commended the FCT Council leadership under the chairmanship of Comrade Grace Ike for its interventions on issues affecting members, particularly ongoing efforts to improve access to health insurance and other welfare initiatives.
A member who spoke during the Congress expressed appreciation for the Council’s intervention on health insurance, noting that journalists were already benefiting from the initiative.
On the future of the profession, Congress called for greater participation of younger journalists in Union activities and urged the Council to develop initiatives capable of attracting more young practitioners to Congress meetings.
Members also advocated structured mentorship programmes through which experienced journalists can transfer professional knowledge, skills and ethical values to younger practitioners.
On the state of the nation, Congress expressed concern over issues surrounding the regulation and certification of products manufactured locally.
Speaking on recent developments in the regulation of locally produced goods, Felix Ojo called for greater clarity and coordination among relevant regulatory agencies, particularly questioning the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in ensuring that locally manufactured products meet required standards.
Congress stressed the importance of effective regulation, quality control and consumer protection, while encouraging policies that support legitimate Nigerian manufacturers.
On the 2027 elections, Princess Halima Jubril urged journalists to exercise professionalism and caution in their coverage of political activities, emphasising the need to verify information before publication.
She cautioned journalists against cyberbullying, inflammatory publications and misuse of social media platforms, urging practitioners to allow professional ethics to guide their coverage of political actors and campaigns.
Congress also commended security agencies for their efforts in rescuing members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were reportedly targeted while travelling to their orientation camp.
Members expressed concern over attacks involving young Nigerians participating in the national service programme and called for stronger measures to protect corps members travelling to and from their places of deployment.
The Congress further called on journalists, political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful electoral environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It urged journalists to avoid unverified claims and publications capable of escalating political tensions, stressing that the media has a responsibility to provide citizens with accurate and credible information needed to make informed decisions.
Among other resolutions, Congress resolved to strengthen adherence to professional ethics, promote fact-checking, encourage responsible use of social media, develop mentorship initiatives for younger journalists, sustain welfare interventions and promote balanced and credible coverage of the 2027 electoral process.
It also called on relevant authorities to strengthen the protection of NYSC members and other vulnerable citizens, while urging effective regulation and quality assurance of locally manufactured products without unduly hindering legitimate Nigerian manufacturers.
The Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to press freedom, professional journalism, journalists’ welfare, ethical standards and the public interest.
