Journalists Urged To Leverage Collective Bargaining, Unionism Tools For Improved Welfare

By Iyojo Ameh

Journalists across the country, especially those in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have been advised to leverage collective bargaining and unionism tools to improve their welfare.

Founder, Hope Raisers Global Foundation, Amb. Angonimi David- Umeh, gave this advice on Friday while speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents’ Chapel End of Year Party, on a theme “Opportunities for Collective Bargaining and Unionization: The Place of Welfare” in Abuja.

‎Amb. Umeh noted that welfare sits at the heart of both collective bargaining and unionism, explaining that collective bargaining is not agitation, but simply organized conversations between workers and employers to create fairness, dignity, and shared progress.

“Collective bargaining is like going to the market as a group instead of going alone. Alone, the price can be anything. Together, the seller knows you’re serious — and your voice carries weight.

“In the workplace, collective bargaining allows employees to negotiate: Better salaries, Safe working conditions, Insurance and medical support, Leave policies, Training and career development, while unionism is simply the structure that supports those negotiations,” she noted.

Speaking on welfare, Amb. Umeh said “welfare is not “extra.” It’s the oxygen that keeps productivity alive. Workers perform better when: They feel secure, Their families are stable, They have health support, Their working tools are provided, They are not stressed or threatened, When welfare improves, companies grow. When it is ignored, companies bleed talent.”

Highlighting cases where collective bargaining and unionism were used to improve welfare packages in Nigeria, she said “for years, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has negotiated with the Nigerian government over: Funding for public universities, Better salaries, Improved teaching facilities, Autonomy in universities.

“While the constant strikes are painful, they demonstrate how collective bargaining can keep national attention on education. Without ASUU’s organized voice, university welfare would have collapsed long ago.”

She also pointed out that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) negotiated the ₦30,000 minimum wage — not perfect, but a national milestone.

This, according to her, came through: Advocacy, Strikes, Policy dialogue, Solid nationwide solidarity.

“It shows how unionism can lift millions of workers at once,” she noted.

She also mentioned that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has repeatedly bargained for: Hazard allowances, Better hospital equipment, Insurance, Residency training funds.

“These negotiations directly affect national health outcomes. When doctors are cared for, patients are safer,” she said.

Umeh said when journalists negotiate as a group, they unlock: Better financial security, Mental & emotional safety, Voice and dignity, Organizational growth, and Social progress.

Also speaking, the Host and Chairman, NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the gathering was not just a social event, but a moment of reflection, appreciation, and renewed commitment to the ideals that bind the journalists together.

Comrade Ike said the theme for this year’s celebration — Opportunities for Collective Bargaining and Unionization: The Place of Welfare — speaks directly to the realities of the profession.

“It reminds us that while we celebrate, we must never lose sight of the collective responsibility we share in protecting the welfare and dignity of journalists across the FCT and Nigeria as a whole,” she noted.

The Council Chair, who was represented by her Vice, Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo, commended the Correspondents’ Chapel for consistently upholding the core values of the union. Noting that the daily contributions of the members to news gathering and dissemination form the backbone of journalism in the Federal Capital Territory.

“Your courage, commitment, and professionalism give life to the stories that shape national discourse,” she added.

However, she noted that excellence thrives best in an environment where welfare is prioritized.

“This is why we must continue to explore opportunities for stronger unionization, coordinated advocacy, and effective collective bargaining.

“Our strength lies in our unity. When we stand together, we are able to secure better working conditions, defend press freedom, and promote a safe and supportive media ecosystem,” she noted.

Comrade Ike said that the end of the year celebration should encourage members to deepen collaboration and re-energize commitment to the ideals of the NUJ.

“Let it also remind us that while our work is demanding, it is noble — and we deserve every support, protection, and welfare provision necessary to carry it out effectively,” said.

Earlier, in his Welcome Address, the Chairman, NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Felix Ojo, stated that the Correspondent’s’ Chapel is the largest congregation of Journalists in the FCT and perhaps in Nigeria aggregating Journalists from the 36 states of the Federation, representing different media organisations.

Mr Ojo explained that the Chapel was set up in fulfilment of the Constitutional mandate, that the freedom of the press as guaranteed, there was a forum for the sharing of information and open debate that would lead to an informed citizen capable of governing itself.

Speaking on the achievements so far made by the Chapel, Mr Ojo said “In May, we organized a Health Awareness and Social Welfare Engagement Seminar. Dr. Emem Omokaro was a blessing, Comrade Tita Onyebuchi was also a Blessing in that program.

‎”In August, we organized a lecture Supported by Still Waters Foundation, where Dr. Femi Lanre-Oke, impacted the Congress on the benefits in Conflict Resolution.

‎”In September, we organized a Media Engagements Workshop on the Roles of the Media in Safe and Adequate Blood for Nigerians, Sponsored by the National Blood Service Agency.”

He submitted that despite the enormous responsibilities placed on journalists, to inform, educate, defend the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens, and even to ensure they are happy by entertaining them, they are left out in the allocation systems and welfare benefits.

”We depend on donations and sometimes collaborations as a gateway to achieving our goals, which is not sustainable. Our roles as media involve risk, safety, health, and emergency communication. And more tasking as a watchdog of the society, holding the government accountable,” Ojo said.

‎He, therefore, urged the government at all levels to pay attention to the various challenges hindering the media in discharge of its duties and responsibilities to the society.

The Highpoint of the event was the presentation of Certificates of Commendation and Awards to deserving Nigerians.