The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger collaboration, professional excellence and sustainable journalism practice, while calling for a review of Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage to reflect current economic realities.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Joint South-West Leadership Retreat of NUJ and NAWOJ, held at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ibadan, Oyo State, from July 16 to 18, 2026, under the theme, “Collaboration, Capacity, and Sustainability for the Future of Journalism.”
Hosted by the Oyo State Council of NUJ and co-hosted by the Ogun State Council, the retreat brought together national officers, zonal leaders, state chairmen, chairpersons, secretaries and members of the State Working Committees of both unions from across the six South-West states.
The participants deliberated on the future of journalism, institutional collaboration, capacity building, internal union administration and strategies for sustaining professionalism in the media industry.
At the end of the retreat, the leaders declared that unity between NUJ and NAWOJ remains non-negotiable, urging members and leaders of both organisations to always speak with one voice in advancing the interests of journalism.
The retreat also reaffirmed the constitutional position of the NUJ as the parent body of its affiliated associations, stressing that institutional hierarchy must be respected and leadership responsibilities discharged with humility and decorum.
The South-West zone expressed its readiness to host the next NUJ National Media Summit, describing it as an opportunity to further promote professional development and national discourse on journalism.
Participants commended the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Yahya Alhassan, and the national leadership for introducing initiatives aimed at improving journalism practice across the country.
On workers’ welfare, the retreat called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to commence negotiations for an upward review of the current ₦70,000 national minimum wage, noting that inflation has significantly reduced its purchasing power.
The communiqué also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for ongoing major road infrastructure projects across the South-West, while urging contractors handling the projects to accelerate work to ensure their timely completion.
On the political front, the retreat applauded stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election and challenged political actors, electoral officials and security agencies to replicate the same level of transparency and orderliness during the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election.
The leaders equally commended the Deputy National President of the NUJ, Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Oyetunde, and the NUJ South-West (B-Zone) Vice President, Princess Aderonke Afebioye-Samo, for providing leadership that has fostered stability and unprecedented unity within the zone.
The retreat further appreciated the Oyo State Council of NUJ for successfully hosting the programme with the support of the other five state councils in the South-West.
The communiqué was drafted by a committee chaired by Comrade Seye Ojo, NUJ National Trustee, with Comrade Eniola Adeaga, NAWOJ Secretary, Oyo State, serving as Secretary, while Comrade Olayinka Olukoya of Ogun State was a member.
It was jointly endorsed by the Deputy National President of the NUJ, Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Oyetunde; the NUJ South-West Vice President, Comrade Aderonke Afebioye-Samo; and the NAWOJ South-West Vice President, Comrade Adeola Adekunle.(Impart News Network)
