NUJ FCT Chair, Grace Ike, Calls for Urgent Action on Insecurity, Poverty as Workers Mark 2026 May Day

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called for intensified national action against insecurity and poverty, describing both challenges as major threats to decent work and workers’ welfare in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday to commemorate the 2026 Workers’ Day, Ike felicitated with journalists and workers across the FCT, urging reflection on the realities confronting the Nigerian workforce.

This year’s May Day theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” she noted, is a stark reminder of the growing difficulties faced by workers nationwide, particularly in the media sector.

According to her, insecurity continues to endanger lives, restrict access to information, and hinder effective journalism, while economic hardship and rising poverty levels have further eroded workers’ welfare and productivity.

In the FCT, she said journalists operate under challenging conditions, often balancing professional responsibility with personal safety risks in their bid to inform the public and hold authorities accountable.

She commended members of the NUJ FCT Council for what she described as their resilience, professionalism, and commitment to ethical journalism despite these constraints.

“The persistence of insecurity not only threatens lives but also restricts access to information and hampers the ability of journalists to perform their duties effectively,” she said, adding that poverty continues to affect morale and living conditions across the workforce.

Ike urged government at all levels to step up efforts to improve national security and implement policies that directly address poverty and economic hardship. She stressed that creating a safe and economically stable environment is essential for achieving decent work for all Nigerians.

She also called on media organisations and employers to prioritise journalists’ welfare through improved remuneration, better working conditions, insurance coverage, and continuous professional training.

“As a union, we must strengthen solidarity and continue to defend the rights, safety, and dignity of our members while promoting professionalism and accountability,” she said.
The NUJ FCT chairman encouraged journalists and workers to remain resilient and committed to their duties, noting that collective action and sustained advocacy remain key to building a safer and more equitable society.

On behalf of the NUJ FCT leadership, Ike wished journalists and workers in the Federal Capital Territory a reflective and safe 2026 May Day celebration.