By: Matthew Ugere
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has called for more responsible security reporting, enhanced protection for journalists, and urgent government action on water supply and school security across the country.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the union’s June 2026 Congress held in Abuja on June 6, where more than 500 members deliberated on the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other issues affecting public welfare.
The Congress urged journalists to continue reporting security developments accurately, objectively, and in the public interest, while upholding the highest standards of professional ethics.
According to the union, factual and balanced reporting remains essential to strengthening public trust, particularly during periods of insecurity and national challenges.
The welfare and safety of journalists also featured prominently in the discussions, with members advised to prioritise their personal security and that of their families while carrying out their professional duties.
The union urged journalists to remain vigilant, especially while commuting and covering assignments, stressing that no story is worth risking one’s life.
On the nation’s security challenges, the Congress called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, noting that citizens expect more effective responses to security threats and improved measures to prevent attacks.
The NUJ also emphasised the need for transparency and accuracy in official security communications, urging security agencies to ensure that information released to the public reflects realities on the ground.
It noted that issues relating to kidnappings, abductions, and other security breaches should be communicated clearly and honestly to prevent panic and curb misinformation.
The Congress further called for the full implementation of the Safe School Initiative and demanded greater accountability from officials responsible for managing the programme.
It urged federal and state governments to strengthen security in schools through measures such as perimeter fencing, deployment of security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other protective interventions.
The union maintained that the safety of pupils, students, teachers, and educational facilities should remain a national priority.
Addressing residents’ welfare, members expressed concern over persistent water supply challenges in the FCT and called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to urgently address the situation.
The Congress also urged FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to strengthen engagement with journalists in the territory, particularly on matters relating to security reporting and public information management.
To enhance professional capacity, the union called on the NUJ National Secretariat to organise regular seminars, workshops, and conferences focused on national security reporting.
The Congress reaffirmed the union’s commitment to professionalism, public-interest journalism, peace-building, and national development, while pledging continued advocacy for policies that promote the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.(WBN Media)
