The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has formally appealed to the administration of President Bola Tinubu to institute a national salary framework for media workers across the country. This measure aims to combat inadequate pay, enhance workers' welfare, and reinforce safety guarantees for professionals operating within the Nigerian media landscape.
Speaking at the fourth edition of the union's Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Abuja, NUJ National President Alhassan Yahaya decried the meager wages collected by reporters despite their critical role in promoting democracy, transparency, and nation-building. The event, held on Saturday, carried the theme, "Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance."
What did the NUJ President demand from the federal government?
Yahaya pressed the federal administration to greenlight a better compensation package for media practitioners, pointing out that the recent remuneration review granted to judicial employees serves as a clear precedent. He argued that if the executive branch could favorably adjust salaries for the judiciary, similar consideration should be extended to the press.
Elaborating on ongoing efforts, the NUJ leader revealed that the union is collaborating with allied professional organizations to draft a legislative bill aimed at improving media welfare, which will soon be forwarded to the National Assembly. Furthermore, discussions are underway with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to secure specialized hazard allowances and financial cushions for reporters navigating dangerous assignments. Yahaya added that the union intends to replicate these welfare milestones across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory through consultations with respective governors.
How are state governments responding to press freedom?
Representing Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori used the platform to reiterate his administration's dedication to safeguarding press freedom, open governance, and accountability, stressing that media personnel must operate unhindered by fear or harassment. Delivering his keynote address through his Chief of Staff, Johnson Erijo, the governor emphasized that a vibrant and unfettered press remains the bedrock of democratic society, giving ordinary citizens a platform while keeping public officeholders on their toes.
Oborevwori also paid tribute to the historic sacrifices made by Nigerian journalists during the anti-colonial struggle, the fight against military dictatorship, and the eventual return to civil rule in 1999, noting that numerous practitioners faced imprisonment, clampdowns, and even death in defense of free expression.
In his remarks earlier, the chairman of the ceremony and former NUJ President, Christopher Isiguzo, cautioned media practitioners against falling prey to disinformation, propaganda, and divisive rhetoric as the nation looks ahead to future electoral cycles. He exhorted journalists to prioritize accuracy and verify facts before publication.
"We must inform without inflaming, hold power accountable without becoming partisan actors, and report with speed without sacrificing accuracy and verification," Isiguzo stated. He warned against weaponizing information for political gains, maintaining that the ultimate allegiance of every journalist belongs to truth, the public good, and national cohesion, noting that true democracy must transcend mere elections to guarantee security, justice, and prosperity for all citizens. The event concluded with the presentation of awards to notable individuals for their distinguished service to media development and public administration.