NUJ Urges Ethical Reporting, Improved Working Conditions During 2026 Press Week

By Iyojo Ameh

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, has stated that the council’s 2026 Press Week should serve as a period of reflection, professional growth, unity, and renewed advocacy rather than just a ceremonial event.

Speaking during the lecture at the NUJ FCT Press Week 2026, Comrade Yahya called on journalists to recommit themselves to ethical journalism, press freedom, national development, and the welfare of media professionals across the country.
According to him, “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 highlighted the rapidly evolving media environment, noting the challenges posed by digital communication, artificial intelligence, citizen journalism, and the increasing spread of misinformation and disinformation, as well as security threats confronting journalists.
Despite these challenges, Yahya commended Nigerian journalists for their resilience, courage, and dedication to truth and accountability.
“Journalists are custodians of democracy,” he said, stressing that an independent and vibrant press remains essential for ensuring accountability, justice, transparency, and good governance.
“Without a vibrant and independent press, democracy itself becomes vulnerable,” he added.
The NUJ president also appreciated the NUJ FCT Council for its strategic contribution to strengthening professional journalism and promoting media excellence in the Federal Capital Territory. He praised members of the council for their dedication and unity.
Yahya identified several challenges facing journalists, including attacks, harassment, intimidation, poor remuneration, job insecurity, and unsafe working conditions, urging stakeholders to take urgent steps 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 stated.
“A journalist who works under fear, uncertainty, or hardship cannot effectively discharge the sacred responsibility of informing society,” he added.
He disclosed that the NUJ is engaging government institutions, media owners, development partners, and other stakeholders to prioritize the welfare and protection of journalists.
Speaking on capacity building, Yahya said the future of journalism belongs to professionals who are adaptable, technologically skilled, fact-driven, and ethically grounded.
“Our credibility remains our greatest asset,” he noted, urging journalists to avoid sensationalism, political manipulation, ethnic bias, and unprofessional practices.
He reaffirmed the union’s support for initiatives that strengthen fact-checking, digital literacy, investigative journalism, and ethical standards within the profession.
The NUJ president also appealed to governments at all levels to uphold press freedom and democratic principles, emphasizing that journalists are partners in nation building rather than enemies of the state.
He further urged security agencies to protect journalists while carrying out their lawful responsibilities, noting that “democracy flourishes where the press operates freely without intimidation or fear.”
In his concluding remarks, Yahya called on journalists to recommit themselves to unity, mentorship, and preserving the dignity of the profession. He also paid tribute to veteran journalists whose sacrifices laid the foundation for modern journalism practice in Nigeria.
He stressed that Nigeria’s complex political, social, and economic realities make the role of the media more important than ever and encouraged 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.