The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held its inaugural meeting under the current leadership at Josto Apartments and Suites, Abuja, on Saturday, 21st June, 2025.
The meeting which was presided over by the National President, Comrade Alhasan Yahya and attended by members of the Central Working Committee (CWC) and Council Chairmen and Secretaries resolved on the following:
In line with the constitutional provisions of the Union, the NEC formally inaugurated newly elected Chairmen and Secretaries of various State Councils who had concluded their elections prior to the meeting.
The NEC endorsed plans to upgrade the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) to enable it to issue a broader range of professional certificates, thereby strengthening capacity-building in the journalism profession.
The President of the Union emphasized the importance of continuous training and retraining of journalists, particularly in emerging areas such as cybercrime reporting. He advised practitioners to remain ethical, professional, and committed to the public interest.
The NEC condemned the activities of impostors who parade themselves as journalists using counterfeit press stickers and other means of impersonation. It urged security agencies and the general public to remain vigilant and to report such individuals.
NEC mandated the National Secretariat to compile a list of nominees across the Zones to conduct bye-election into the Office of National Auditor.
NEC received some nominations for the vacant Offices for Zonal Trustees and Ex-Officios in the Central Working Committee. Some Zonal leaders has to be given time to consult before coming up with their nominations
On national security, the NEC urged the Federal Government to direct security agencies to prioritize the protection of lives and property. It expressed concern over the increasing cases of killings across the country and called on the government to act swiftly.
The NEC further urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in addressing poverty and unemployment, which are underlying factors fueling insecurity in the country.
The Council called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, reconstruct and rehabilitate critical federal highways across the country that are currently in a dilapidated state.
The NEC also urged the government to provide farmers with adequate agricultural inputs and support to ensure a successful planting season, improve food security, and stimulate economic growth.
NEC deliberated on the report of the Committee set up to investigate the petition of gross misconduct on the chairman and secretary of Delta State Council, Churchill Oyowe and Victor Sorokwu respectively and resolved that they tender an unreserved apology to those directly affected, especially the petitioners within one week. They are to work to ensure that unity returns to the council and report to the National Secretariat on the outcome. They were given one week to achieve these.
The NEC commended the National Leadership for intervening and effecting the timely release of some Journalists in some parts of the country including Ogun, Kwara, and Lagos State who were incarcerated and in the custody of security agents even as he tasked colleagues to work within the boundaries of their ethical provisions.
A vote of confidence was unanimously passed on the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi and the central working committee in recognition of their visionary leadership and commitment to the growth and unity of the Union.
NEC celebrates the NUJ on the historic occasion of the 70th Anniversary.
Achike Chude
National Secretary
Communiqué Drafting Committee:
Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, Secretary, Zone A) – Chairman
Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, Chairman, Bayelsa State Council – Member
Comrade Amos Etuk, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council
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