NUJ NEC in Kano decries rising insecurity, poor roads, press censorship

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) MEETING OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) HELD IN KANO

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held its meeting on 12th August 2025 in Kano, Kano State, to review the state of the nation and deliberate on critical issues affecting the media industry and the welfare of journalists in Nigeria. The meeting was presided over by the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhasan Yahya.

After extensive deliberations, the NEC resolved as follows:

1. Worsening Insecurity in Nigeria

The NEC expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in many parts of the country, particularly in Benue, Zamfara, and Plateau States, among others. The rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes continue to endanger lives and threaten national unity. The Union calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace, protect citizens, and prevent the nation from sliding into further lawlessness.

2. Deplorable State of Road Infrastructure

The NEC lamented the hazardous state of federal and state roads across the country, particularly in Delta, Bauchi, Gombe to Taraba, Benue, Rivers, Enugu, and Kogi States. Many of these roads have become death traps, disrupting economic activities and causing needless loss of lives. The NEC urges both Federal and State Governments to take immediate action to rehabilitate critical road networks and ensure the timely and quality completion of all ongoing projects.

3. Unprofessional Conduct of Some Chief Press Secretaries

The NEC noted with dismay the growing incidence of unprofessional conduct by some Chief Press Secretaries (CPS) to State Governors, including hostility towards journalists and obstructing NUJ council leaders from accessing their governors. Such behaviour is unacceptable. The NEC reminds CPS that their role is to facilitate constructive engagement between government and the media, not to hinder it. State Governors are urged to strengthen relationships with NUJ council leaders and journalists, recognising them as partners in progress.

4. Vote of Confidence on the Governor of Kano State

The NEC unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Engr. Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his progressive leadership, support for press freedom, and inclusive governance. The Union commended his open-door policy and consistent engagement with the media as a model for other governors.

5. Commendation for the Governor of Gombe State

The NEC commended the Executive Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, His Excellency, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his exemplary intervention in facilitating the payment of outstanding entitlements to former staff of the defunct New Nigeria Newspapers. This humane act has brought relief to affected families and demonstrated his administration’s commitment to justice and workers’ welfare.

6. Commendation for the Governor of Akwa Ibom State

The NEC applauded the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for his unprecedented donation of brand-new SUVs to the eleven members of the State Working Committee of the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council. This gesture reflects a genuine appreciation of the media’s role in governance and serves as encouragement for responsible journalism. The NEC urges other governors to emulate this example.

7. Vote of Confidence on NUJ National Leadership

The NEC passed a vote of confidence on the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhasan Yahya, and his team for their visionary leadership and commitment to improving the welfare of members nationwide.

8 .NEC in session called on Federal and State Governments to ensure proper and full implementation of the 70,000 minimum wage among media Organisations in Nigeria as well as provide welfare packages for Journalists.

9. NEC also warned State Governments to desist from unnecessary censorship of Media Organisations in their respective states.

10. The NEC urged both the Federal and State Governments to adopt a proactive approach and take decisive, well-coordinated measures to avert flood disasters. This includes strengthening early warning systems, clearing drainage channels, enforcing environmental regulations, and ensuring the timely relocation of residents in flood-prone and riverine areas. The Union emphasised that preventive action is far more cost-effective than post-disaster relief and that protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure must be treated as a national priority.

Conclusion
The Nigeria Union of Journalists reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting press freedom, defending democratic ideals, and upholding the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria. The Union calls on all tiers of government and public institutions to partner with the media in advancing national development, transparency, and accountability.

Achike Chude
National Secretary.

Communiqué Drafting Committee

Zare Baba, VP Zone E,
Chairman of the Committee

Mahmood Olayinka Alaya
Secretary of the Committee & Secretary Kwara Council

Umar Sa’idu, Member
Chairman Baúchi State Council.

Comrade Bemdoo Ugber
Chairman Benue Council
Member.

Aisha Ahmed -(Secretary Jigawa Council) Member