The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) National Executive Council (NEC) has called on the Federal and State Governments to take urgent steps to address worsening insecurity and the deplorable state of road infrastructure across the country.
In a communiqué signed by the NUJ National Secretary, Achike Chude, the NEC, which met in Kano on August 12, 2025, decried the rising wave of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes in states such as Benue, Zamfara, and Plateau. It urged security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace and protect citizens.
The NEC also expressed concern over the hazardous condition of roads in Delta, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Benue, Rivers, Enugu, and Kogi States, describing them as death traps that endanger lives and disrupt economic activities. It called for immediate rehabilitation and timely completion of ongoing road projects.
The meeting frowned at the unprofessional conduct of some Chief Press Secretaries to state governors, accusing them of hostility towards journalists and obstructing NUJ council leaders from engaging with governors. It reminded CPSs that their role is to foster constructive relations between government and the media.
A vote of confidence was passed on the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his progressive leadership and open engagement with the media. Similar commendations went to Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for facilitating the payment of entitlements to former staff of the defunct New Nigeria Newspapers, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for donating SUVs to NUJ officials in the state.
The NEC also urged governments to fully implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage for media workers, provide better welfare packages for journalists, stop unnecessary censorship of the press, and adopt proactive measures to avert flood disasters nationwide.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to promoting press freedom, defending democracy, and partnering with governments to advance transparency and national development.
