2026 Press Week: NUJ President Demands Better Welfare, Protection for Journalists

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has called for improved welfare, stronger protection, and higher ethical standards for journalists across the country, stressing that the 2026 Press Week should go beyond celebration to serve as a period of reflection, professional growth, and renewed advocacy.

Speaking at the NUJ FCT Council Press Week 2026 lecture, Comrade Yahya urged journalists to recommit themselves to ethical journalism, press freedom, national development, and the advancement of media professionals in Nigeria.

According to him, Press Week remains a vital moment for introspection and renewed commitment to the ideals of responsible journalism.

“Press Week is not merely a ceremonial event. It is a period of introspection, recommitment, and renewed advocacy for ethical journalism, press freedom, national development, and the welfare of media professionals across Nigeria,” he stated.

The NUJ President highlighted the rapidly evolving media environment shaped by digital communication, artificial intelligence, citizen journalism, and the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation. He also noted the increasing security risks confronting journalists in the line of duty.

Despite these challenges, Yahya commended Nigerian journalists for their resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication to truth, accountability, and public service.

“Journalists are custodians of democracy. Without a vibrant and independent press, democracy itself becomes vulnerable,” he said.

He praised the NUJ FCT Council for its strategic contributions to professional journalism and media excellence in the nation’s capital, applauding members for their unity and commitment to the profession.

Comrade Yahya further identified persistent threats facing journalists, including attacks, harassment, intimidation, poor remuneration, job insecurity, and unsafe working conditions, insisting that urgent steps must be taken to safeguard the profession.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists remains resolute in advocating for better welfare, improved working conditions, insurance protection, prompt payment of salaries, and greater institutional support for journalists nationwide,” he said.

“A journalist who works under fear, uncertainty, or hardship cannot effectively discharge the sacred responsibility of informing society.”

He disclosed that the NUJ is actively engaging government institutions, media owners, development partners, and other stakeholders to prioritize the welfare and safety of journalists.

On capacity building, the NUJ President stressed that the future of journalism belongs to professionals who are adaptable, technology-driven, fact-oriented, and ethically grounded.

“Our credibility remains our greatest asset,” he noted, urging journalists to resist sensationalism, political manipulation, ethnic bias, and unprofessional conduct.

He also reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting fact-checking, digital literacy, investigative journalism, and ethical reporting standards.

Calling on governments at all levels to uphold press freedom and democratic values, Yahya reminded public officials that journalists are partners in nation-building and not enemies of the state.

He further urged security agencies to protect journalists in the lawful discharge of their duties, emphasizing that democracy thrives where the media operates freely without fear or intimidation.

In his closing remarks, the NUJ President urged journalists to strengthen unity within the profession, mentor younger practitioners, and preserve the dignity and integrity of journalism. He paid tribute to veteran journalists whose sacrifices laid the foundation for today’s media practice.

Yahya noted that Nigeria’s complex political, social, and economic realities make the role of the media more important than ever, urging journalists to promote peace, national unity, responsible dialogue, and issue-based reporting.

“Let this Press Week serve as a platform for renewed collaboration between the media, government, civil society, and the Nigerian people in pursuit of a more just, peaceful, and prosperous nation,” he concluded.