The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Abdullahi Yahya, has reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to safeguarding journalists across the country from physical assault, harassment, and unlawful detention.
Comrade Yahya disclosed this while speaking on Hantsi, a popular live programme on Freedom Radio Dutse, Jigawa State. He said the NUJ has intensified advocacy visits to various law enforcement agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Police Force, to strengthen mutual understanding and ensure the protection of media practitioners in the course of their duties.
“Recently, journalists who were abused and detained by the DSS in Plateau State were released after the organization apologized,” Yahya stated. “Also, in Lagos, six journalists who were unlawfully detained were set free. Notwithstanding, we always urge our members to be ethical at all times.”
The NUJ President further revealed that the Union is in talks with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on the need to enhance the salaries and welfare packages of journalists working in federal government-owned media organizations such as the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“We are hopeful that if this initiative succeeds, it will be replicated at the state level,” he said.
Comrade Yahya also announced that the Union is working towards introducing a health insurance scheme for all working journalists in the country. According to him, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that media practitioners have access to quality healthcare services regardless of their location or employment status.
He reaffirmed the NUJ’s dedication to promoting ethical journalism, protecting members’ rights, and improving the welfare and safety of media professionals across Nigeria.