Nigerian Journalists’ Union Calls for Better Welfare and Stronger Press Freedom Protections

May 24, 2026 – Nigeria –

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on governments and media stakeholders across the country to improve journalists’ welfare, strengthen press freedom protections, and provide safer working conditions for media professionals facing growing economic and security pressures.

Speaking during the 2026 Press Week activities of the NUJ Federal Capital Territory Council in Abuja, NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahya said journalists continue to work under difficult conditions marked by poor salaries, job insecurity, harassment, intimidation, and inadequate institutional support. He stressed that the annual Press Week should serve as more than a ceremonial gathering and instead become a platform for reflection, advocacy, and professional development.

Yahya warned that rapid changes in the media landscape, including the spread of misinformation, digital disruption, artificial intelligence, and citizen journalism, have intensified challenges facing reporters and news organizations. According to him, journalists working under fear and financial hardship cannot effectively fulfill their role in informing society and holding institutions accountable.

The NUJ president called on federal and state governments, media owners, civil society organizations, and development partners to prioritize better salaries, comprehensive insurance coverage, healthcare access, and safer conditions for journalists carrying out their duties. He also urged security agencies to respect media freedom and protect journalists from intimidation and violence while performing lawful work.

Yahya emphasized that press freedom remains essential for democracy, transparency, and public accountability. He described journalists as “custodians of democracy” and warned that democratic institutions become vulnerable when the media cannot operate freely.

The union also encouraged journalists to strengthen ethical standards, digital literacy, fact-checking practices, and investigative reporting skills amid increasing concerns over disinformation and politically motivated content online. NUJ officials urged media workers to avoid sensationalism, ethnic bias, and political manipulation while maintaining professional integrity and public trust.

The renewed calls come as Nigerian journalists continue to face threats linked to political reporting, insecurity, and economic instability within the media industry. International press freedom organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about harassment, arrests, censorship, and violence targeting journalists in Nigeria.

Media advocates at the event said improving journalists’ welfare is directly connected to strengthening independent journalism and protecting democratic values in Nigeria. Participants also called for stronger collaboration between the government, civil society, and media organizations to ensure a safer and more sustainable future for journalism across the country.

Reference –

https://www.thehopenewspaper.com/protect-press-freedom-improve-journalists-welfare-nuj-tells-govts/

NUJ President Seeks Better Welfare, Ethics, Journalists’ Protection