NUJ President Demands Better Welfare, Stronger Protection For Journalists

The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, has called for improved welfare, stronger protection and stricter adherence to ethical standards for journalists across Nigeria.

Speaking during the 2026 Press Week organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council in Abuja, Yahya described the annual event as more than a ceremonial gathering, stressing that it should serve as a platform for reflection, professional growth, unity and renewed advocacy for the journalism profession.

Delivering his address at the event, the NUJ president urged media practitioners to recommit themselves to ethical reporting, press freedom, national development and the welfare of journalists.

“Press Week is not merely a ceremonial event,” Yahya said. “It is a period of introspection, recommitment and renewed advocacy for ethical journalism, press freedom, national development and the welfare of media professionals across Nigeria.”

He noted that the journalism profession is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digital communication, artificial intelligence, citizen journalism and the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation.

According to him, these developments, alongside increasing security threats against journalists, have made media practice more demanding than ever.

Despite the challenges, Yahya praised Nigerian journalists for their resilience, courage and commitment to truth, accountability and democratic values.

“Journalists are custodians of democracy,” he stated, adding that a vibrant and independent press remains essential for holding leaders accountable and safeguarding justice, transparency and good governance.

“Without a vibrant and independent press, democracy itself becomes vulnerable,” he added.

The NUJ president commended the NUJ FCT Council for its contributions toward strengthening professional journalism and promoting media excellence in the nation’s capital. He also applauded members of the council for their dedication, unity and commitment to the profession.

Yahya, however, expressed concern over persistent threats confronting journalists, including attacks, harassment, intimidation, poor remuneration, job insecurity and unsafe working conditions.

He stressed that urgent steps must be taken to protect journalists and preserve the integrity of the profession.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists remains resolute in advocating for better welfare, improved working conditions, insurance protection, prompt payment of salaries and greater institutional support for journalists nationwide,” he said.

“A journalist who works under fear, uncertainty or hardship cannot effectively discharge the sacred responsibility of informing society.”

According to him, the NUJ is already engaging government institutions, media proprietors, development partners and other stakeholders to prioritise the welfare and protection of journalists across the country.

On capacity building, Yahya emphasised that the future of journalism belongs to professionals who are adaptable, technologically skilled, fact-oriented and ethically grounded.

“Our credibility remains our greatest asset,” he said, while cautioning journalists against sensationalism, political manipulation, ethnic bias and other forms of unprofessional conduct.

He pledged the union’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening fact-checking, digital literacy, investigative journalism and ethical standards within the media industry.

The NUJ president also appealed to governments at all levels to uphold press freedom and protect democratic principles, insisting that journalists should be seen as partners in nation building rather than adversaries.

He further called on security agencies to protect journalists carrying out their lawful duties, noting that democracy thrives where the media can operate freely without intimidation or fear.

In his closing remarks, Yahya urged journalists to recommit themselves to unity, mentorship and the preservation of the dignity of the profession. He also paid tribute to veteran journalists whose sacrifices and dedication helped shape modern journalism practice in Nigeria.

The NUJ president observed that Nigeria’s complex political, social and economic realities have made the role of the media more important than ever, urging journalists to continue promoting peace, national unity, responsible public discourse and issue-based reporting.

“Let this Press Week serve as a platform for renewed collaboration between the media, government, civil society and the Nigerian people in pursuit of a more just, peaceful and prosperous nation,” he concluded.