By: Chioma Vivian James
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has called for urgent improvements in journalists’ welfare, protection, and ethical standards, declaring that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends heavily on a free, independent, and professionally responsible media.
Speaking at the 2026 Press Week of the NUJ 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 renewal, and stronger advocacy for press freedom and media development.
According to him, the rapidly evolving media landscape has created new pressures for journalists, ranging from the rise of artificial intelligence and citizen journalism to the dangerous spread of misinformation and disinformation across digital platforms.
“Press Week is not merely a ceremonial event,” Yahya stated. “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.”
The NUJ President noted that despite increasing threats and difficult working conditions, Nigerian journalists have continued to demonstrate resilience, courage, and dedication in holding power accountable and defending democratic ideals.
He emphasized that journalists remain central to democratic governance and national development, warning that societies where the press is weakened or intimidated often suffer setbacks in transparency, justice, and accountability.
“Journalists are custodians of democracy,” he said. “Without a vibrant and independent press, democracy itself becomes vulnerable.”
Yahya commended the NUJ FCT Council for what he described as its strategic role in promoting professional journalism and media excellence in the Federal Capital Territory, praising members for their unity and commitment to strengthening the profession.
However, he expressed concern over the harsh realities confronting journalists across the country, including attacks, harassment, intimidation, poor remuneration, job insecurity, delayed salaries, and unsafe working environments.
He warned that such conditions threaten not only the well-being of media professionals but also the credibility and effectiveness of journalism itself.
“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 declared.
“A journalist who works under fear, uncertainty, or hardship cannot effectively discharge the sacred responsibility of informing society.”
Yahya disclosed that the union is actively engaging government institutions, media proprietors, development partners, and relevant stakeholders to ensure journalists receive the protection and support necessary to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
On professional development, the NUJ President stressed the importance of capacity building and continuous learning, saying the future belongs to journalists who are technologically skilled, ethically grounded, adaptable, and committed to factual reporting.
He urged media practitioners to uphold professionalism by resisting sensationalism, political influence, ethnic bias, and other forms of unethical conduct capable of undermining public trust in the media.
“Our credibility remains our greatest asset,” he said, while pledging the union’s support for initiatives that strengthen fact-checking, investigative journalism, digital literacy, and ethical reporting standards.
Yahya also appealed to governments at all levels to uphold the press freedom and democratic principles, insisting that journalists should be seen as partners in nation building rather than adversaries.
He specifically called on security agencies to protect journalists while carrying out lawful assignments, noting that democracy thrives where the media can operate freely and independently.
“Democracy flourishes where the press operates freely without intimidation or fear,” he added.
In his closing remarks, the NUJ President urged journalists across the country to recommit themselves to unity, mentorship, professionalism, and the preservation of the dignity of the profession.
He paid tribute to veteran journalists whose sacrifices laid the foundation for modern journalism practice in Nigeria and reminded media practitioners that the country’s current political, social, and economic realities make responsible journalism more important than ever.
Yahya encouraged journalists to promote peace, national unity, responsible public discourse, and issue-based reporting capable of fostering national development.
“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.(Phenomenal People)
