NUJ Information Chapel Delegation Visits FCT Council, Decries Diversion of Check-Off Dues

The NUJ FCT Council on Wednesday, 8 January 2025, hosted a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Information Chapel, led by its Chairman, Mr. Raphael Towoju, at the Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.

During the meeting, discussions focused on critical issues affecting the Chapel and the Union, including identity cards, check-off dues, and other operational matters.

In his address, Mr Raphael Towoju expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the diversion of members’ check-off dues to unions outside the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). He lamented that while NUJ remains the legitimate union for Information Officers and Cameramen in the Ministry, a significant portion of check-off dues is being misdirected to other entities, such as Radio, Television, Theatre, and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), which is not even a recognised union within the Ministry.

The Chapel Chairman described the situation as a gross mismanagement of members’ contributions and called for immediate corrective measures. He emphasised the critical role of check-off dues in sustaining the operations of the NUJ and supporting its programmes. Mr Towoju also used the occasion to highlight his team’s plans for the first quarter of the year, reiterating his determination to leave the chapel in a stronger and more financially secure position than he found it.

Beyond financial matters, Mr Towoju advocated for the periodic training of members to enhance their professional skills and emphasised the need for the NUJ to receive full recognition as the primary union for all information officers and cameramen within the Ministry.

Responding to the concerns raised, the FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, assured the delegation of the Council’s commitment to addressing the issues with urgency. She commended the Chapel leadership for their proactive stance and efforts to resolve the challenges undermining the Union’s interests.

Comrade Ike stressed the importance of sensitising members about the critical role of check-off dues and ensuring their remittance to the NUJ. She noted that timely contributions are essential for funding the union’s activities, promoting members’ welfare, and maintaining operational excellence.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both the Chapel and the Council to foster closer collaboration and ensure that the NUJ remains the recognised and authoritative union for media professionals in the Ministry.