NUJ FCT Congress: Journalists urge government action on insecurity, water crisis in Abuja

The Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, held on Saturday, 6 June 2026, has called for more responsible and accurate security reporting in Nigeria, urging journalists to maintain professionalism while holding public institutions accountable.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting attended by over 500 members, the Congress expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Federal Capital Territory and across the country, stressing that media practitioners must continue to report developments objectively in the public interest while adhering strictly to ethical standards.

It also urged journalists to prioritise their personal safety and that of their families while carrying out their duties, advising members to remain vigilant during movements and adopt necessary precautions in their daily activities amid rising insecurity.

The Congress called on security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and ensure the protection of lives and property, insisting that safeguarding citizens must remain a top priority for government at all levels.

It further stressed the need for accuracy and transparency in official security communications, urging security agencies to ensure that information released to the public reflects realities on the ground in order to build public trust, particularly on issues relating to kidnappings and abductions.

On education, the Congress called for full implementation of the Safe School Initiative across the country, warning that many attacks on schools could be prevented through proper execution of existing security policies. It also urged both federal and state governments to prioritise the protection of schools by providing perimeter fencing, deploying security personnel and strengthening other safety measures to protect pupils, students and teachers.

The meeting also raised concerns over persistent water supply challenges in the Federal Capital Territory, calling on the FCTA and FCDA to urgently address the situation to reduce hardship faced by residents.

On media-government relations, the Congress urged the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to strengthen engagement with journalists in the territory, saying closer collaboration would improve public communication and enhance understanding of government policies and actions.

It further called on the national leadership of the NUJ to organise regular capacity-building programmes on security reporting to equip journalists with the skills needed to cover sensitive national issues more effectively and safely.

The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, peace, national development and public-interest journalism, while pledging continued advocacy for policies that improve the welfare and safety of Nigerians.

The communiqué was signed by the drafting committee comprising Comrade Monica Danbauchi, Comrade Raphael Towoju, and Comrade Ediri Oyibo.