The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has passed a unanimous vote of confidence in its National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, citing progress in members’ welfare, training, and institutional reforms.
At its meeting held in Abuja on April 29, 2026, the Council commended the leadership for successfully hosting the session without external support and reaffirmed its backing for the current administration.
NEC also raised concerns over the poor state of government-owned media organisations, urging the Federal Government to make adequate budgetary provisions for infrastructure upgrades and improved working conditions for journalists nationwide.
On national security, the Council called for decisive action to address rising insecurity, warning against politicising the issue and stressing the need for a comprehensive review of existing strategies.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, NEC urged political actors to abide by democratic rules, while charging journalists to uphold professionalism.
It noted that many journalists had paid the price in defending democracy and must continue to promote its core values.
The Council expressed appreciation to several state governments, including Bauchi and Gombe, for supporting families of deceased journalists, and Akwa Ibom for aviation sector strides.
Yobe State was also commended for improving members’ welfare through increased allowances.
NEC further lauded Tantita Security Limited for providing financial support to over 100 retired journalists in Bayelsa State, describing the gesture as unprecedented.
On internal matters, the Council approved the reinstatement of Delta State Council Secretary, Victor Soroku, while suspending seven Ogun State members for breaching the union’s constitution.
It also approved a bye-election for the Kano State Council Secretary position to resolve ongoing leadership disputes.
NEC passed a vote of confidence in the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) for improved media relations, and urged other security agencies to follow suit in respecting press freedom.
The Council also resolved that membership revalidation exercises must be centrally coordinated, directing Delta State Council to halt its ongoing process.
It approved plans to introduce a health insurance scheme for journalists and mandated all councils to conduct financial audits from 2022 to 2026.
Additionally, three committees Media Icon, Welfare, and Annual Strategic Planning were inaugurated to strengthen union operations.
NEC decried the persistent power supply challenges across the country and called for urgent government intervention, while reiterating that only the NEC has the authority to suspend members. Councils were also advised to engage professional drivers to reduce road accidents involving union vehicles.
The communiqué was issued by the committee chaired by Dr Abu Nmodu, with Ngozi Mbah as Secretary, and signed by the National Secretary, Achike Chude.(Impart News Network)
