The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has called for urgent reforms to improve the welfare, safety, and working conditions of journalists across Nigeria, while strengthening press freedom and professional ethics.
Speaking at the NUJ FCT Council Press Week lecture in Abuja, Yahya said the 2026 Press Week should go beyond celebrations and serve as a moment of reflection and renewed action for the media industry.
He raised concerns over the growing challenges facing journalism, including misinformation driven by digital technology, artificial intelligence, and the rise of citizen journalism. He also highlighted persistent threats such as harassment, physical attacks, job insecurity, poor remuneration, and unsafe working environments.
Yahya described journalists as “custodians of democracy,” warning that any weakening of press freedom poses a direct risk to democratic governance. He stressed that a free and independent press remains essential for accountability, transparency, and national development.
The NUJ president outlined key priorities of the union, including improved welfare packages, insurance coverage, timely payment of salaries, and stronger institutional support for media practitioners. He said the union is engaging government institutions, media owners, and development partners to address these challenges.
He also urged journalists to adapt to the changing media landscape by embracing digital skills, fact-checking, and investigative reporting, while maintaining high ethical standards. Yahya warned against sensationalism, misinformation, political manipulation, and ethnic bias in reporting.
He called on government at all levels to respect press freedom and ensure a safe environment for journalists to operate without intimidation, while urging security agencies to protect media professionals in the line of duty.
Yahya further encouraged unity within the profession, mentorship for young journalists, and renewed commitment to responsible reporting that promotes peace, national cohesion, and democratic values.
He concluded by urging stakeholders to use Press Week as a platform to strengthen collaboration between the media, government, and civil society in advancing national development.
