The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has called for improved welfare, stronger protection, and higher ethical standards for journalists across Nigeria.
Speaking during the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, Yahya said the annual event should go beyond celebration and serve as a period of reflection, professional growth, unity, and renewed advocacy for the media profession.
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According to him, journalists must recommit themselves to ethical reporting, press freedom, national development, and the welfare of media professionals.
“Press Week is not merely a ceremonial event. 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 said.
Yahya highlighted the rapidly changing media environment, citing the rise of digital communication, artificial intelligence, citizen journalism, misinformation, and disinformation as major challenges confronting the profession.
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He also raised concerns over increasing security threats against journalists, including attacks, intimidation, harassment, poor remuneration, job insecurity, and unsafe working conditions.
Despite the challenges, the NUJ president praised Nigerian journalists for their resilience and commitment to truth, accountability, and democratic values.
“Journalists are custodians of democracy,” he stated, adding that a free and independent press remains essential for transparency, justice, and good governance.
“Without a vibrant and independent press, democracy itself becomes vulnerable,” he added.
Yahya commended the NUJ FCT Council for its efforts toward strengthening professional journalism and promoting media excellence in the nation’s capital.
He stressed that the union remains committed to advocating for improved welfare packages, insurance protection, prompt salary payments, and safer working conditions for journalists nationwide.
“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.”
The NUJ president further disclosed that the union is engaging government institutions, media organisations, and development partners to prioritise journalists’ welfare and safety.
On professionalism, Yahya urged journalists to embrace capacity building, digital literacy, investigative reporting, and fact-checking while resisting sensationalism, political manipulation, ethnic bias, and unethical practices.
“Our credibility remains our greatest asset,” he noted.
He also called on governments at all levels and security agencies to respect press freedom and protect journalists while carrying out their lawful duties.
“Democracy flourishes where the press operates freely without intimidation or fear,” he said.
Yahya concluded by urging journalists to promote peace, national unity, responsible dialogue, and issue-based reporting as Nigeria navigates complex political, social, and economic challenges.
“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 said.
