……As Union’s NEC demand Implementation of #70,000 minimum wage for Federal Media Workers.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) says plans have reached an advanced stage to push for the passage of a Media Enhancement Bill aimed at improving welfare packages and working conditions for journalists across the country.
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, stated in Kano while interacting with veteran journalists organised by the NUJ Kano State Council in collaboration with the State Ministry for Information and Internal Affairs.
Yahaya noted that the proposed bill, which is already attracting sponsorship from members of the House of Representatives, would address poor remuneration in the profession and provide a legal framework for better welfare.
“We blow other people’s trumpets but not ours. It is time we stood firm and worked collectively to ensure the bill is passed,”
He also called for the introduction of health insurance for journalists, revealing that less than one per cent currently have coverage.
According to him, with an annual premium of N15,000 under the state health insurance scheme, journalists could access healthcare at all levels, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and promoting universal health coverage.
In his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, pointed out that the state had implemented wide-ranging reforms to strengthen media capacity, enhance transparency, and improve communication between government and citizens.
He highlighted the revival of in-house publications, rehabilitation of the ministry’s library, and stronger relations with media executives, political commentators, and civil society groups.
Also speaking former NUJ National President, Malam Sani Zoro, cautioned against misinformation and misuse of artificial intelligence, urging the union to adopt global best practices and invest in professional training.
Stakeholders at the dialogue commended Kano State for being widely regarded as Nigeria’s most media-friendly state, citing significant investments in journalism infrastructure, human capital development, and the clearance of pension arrears for retired journalists.
They recommended quarterly dialogues, mentorship programmes by veteran journalists, and continuous capacity-building to boost professionalism.
The interactive session brought together veteran journalists, academics, and media practitioners to address ethical standards and strengthen public trust in the media.
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) MEETING OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) HELD IN KANO, KANO STATE, ON 12TH AUGUST 2025, AT TAHIR GUEST PALACE HOTEL.
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held its meeting on 12th August 2025 in Kano, Kano State, to review the state of the nation and deliberate on critical issues affecting the media industry and the welfare of journalists in Nigeria. The meeting was presided over by the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhasan Yahya.
After extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved as follows:
- Worsening Insecurity in Nigeria
The NEC expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in many parts of the country, particularly in Benue, Zamfara, and Plateau States, among others. The rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes continue to endanger lives and threaten national unity. The Union calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace, protect citizens, and prevent the nation from sliding into further lawlessness.
- Deplorable State of Road Infrastructure
The NEC lamented the hazardous state of federal and state roads across the country, particularly in Delta, Bauchi, Gombe to Taraba, Benue, Rivers, Enugu, and Kogi States. Many of these roads have become death traps, disrupting economic activities and causing needless loss of lives. The NEC urges 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.
- Unprofessional Conduct of Some Chief Press Secretaries
The NEC noted with dismay the growing incidence of unprofessional conduct by some Chief Press Secretaries (CPS) to State Governors, including hostility towards journalists and obstructing NUJ council leaders from accessing their governors. Such behaviour is unacceptable. The NEC reminds CPS that their role is to facilitate constructive engagement between government and the media, not to hinder it. State Governors are urged to strengthen relationships with NUJ council leaders and journalists, recognising them as partners in progress.
- Vote of Confidence on the Governor of Kano State
The NEC unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Engr. Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his progressive leadership, support for press freedom, and inclusive governance. The Union commended his open-door policy and consistent engagement with the media as a model for other governors.
- Commendation for the Governor of Gombe State
The NEC commended the Executive Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, His Excellency, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his exemplary intervention in facilitating the payment of outstanding entitlements to former staff of the defunct New Nigeria Newspapers. This humane act has brought relief to affected families and demonstrated his administration’s commitment to justice and workers’ welfare.
- Commendation for the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
The NEC applauded the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, 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. This gesture reflects a genuine appreciation of the media’s role in governance and serves as encouragement for responsible journalism. The NEC urges other governors to emulate this example.
- Vote of Confidence on NUJ National Leadership
The NEC 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.
8 .NEC in session 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.
- NEC also warned State Governments to desist from unnecessary censorship of Media Organisations in their respective states.
- The NEC urged both the Federal and State Governments to adopt a proactive approach and take decisive, well-coordinated measures to avert flood disasters. This includes strengthening early warning systems, clearing drainage channels, enforcing environmental regulations, and ensuring the timely relocation of residents in flood-prone and riverine areas. 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.
Conclusion
The Nigeria Union of Journalists reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting press freedom, defending democratic ideals, and upholding the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria. The Union calls on all tiers of government and public institutions to partner with the media in advancing national development, transparency, and accountability.
Achike Chude
National Secretary.
Communiqué Drafting Committee
Zare Baba, VP Zone E,
Chairman of the Committee
Mahmood Olayinka Alaya
Secretary of the Committee & Secretary Kwara Council
Umar Sa’idu, Member
Chairman Baúchi State Council.
Comrade Bemdoo Ugber
Chairman Benue Council
Member.
Aisha Ahmed -(Secretary Jigawa Council) Member
