NUJ Sues for Stronger partnership with All Tiers of Government to promote National Development

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has called for a stronger partnership with all tiers of government and public institutions in advancing national development, transparency, and accountability.

Arising from the Union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was presided over by the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhasan Yahya at Tahir Guest Palace Hotel in Kano, the Union through a communique, also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting press freedom, defending democratic ideals, and upholding the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria.

On the worsening security situation in the country, the Union expressed deep sadness over the escalating insecurity in many parts of the country, particularly in Benue, Zamfara, and Plateau States among others. It also expressed concern over the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes that have continued to endanger lives and threaten national unity.

The Union called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace, protect citizens, and prevent the nation from sliding into further lawlessness.

The NEC lamented the hazardous condition of federal and state roads across the country, noting that many of the roads have become death traps, disrupting economic activities and causing needless loss of lives.

They urged both Federal and State Governments to take immediate action to rehabilitate critical road networks and ensure the timely and quality completion of all ongoing projects.

The NUJ communique called on Federal and State Governments to ensure proper and full implementation of the 70,000 minimum wage among media organisations in Nigeria as well as provide welfare packages for Journalists.

The NEC urged both tiers of Governments to adopt a proactive approach and take decisive measures like strengthening early warning systems, clearing drainage channels, enforcing environmental regulations, and ensuring the timely relocation of residents in flood-prone and riverine areas to avert flood disasters.

The Union emphasised that preventive action is far more cost-effective than post-disaster relief and that protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure must be treated as a national priority.

NEC also warned State Governments to desist from unnecessary censorship of Media Organisations in their respective states.

The Union commended the Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa, for his intervention in facilitating the payment of outstanding entitlements to former staff of the defunct New Nigeria Newspapers and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for his unprecedented donation of brand-new SUVs to the eleven members of the State Working Committee of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council.

The NEC also passed a vote of confidence on the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhasan Yahya, and his team for their visionary leadership and commitment to improving the welfare of members nationwide.