Journalists Demand Safety, Tech Upgrade, Better Welfare Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Emmanuel Kwada 

In a strong call to action for journalists, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Northeast Zone ended its meeting in Yola with a clear statement. It speaks openly about the dangers facing the media, from online spying to broken roads. It also sets a clear plan for journalists in Nigeria’s troubled Northeast region.

The three-day meeting, from December 4 to 6 at the NUJ office in Yola, brought together top leaders. This included NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahya and Deputy National Publicity Secretary Comrade Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde.

It started with an exciting speech by Professor John Ngamsa on “The Future of Democracy and the Role of Journalists.” The group discussed the media’s tough situation, workers’ problems with pay and care, and how democracy is weak in the Northeast.

“Journalism in the Northeast is not just work—it’s like a war,” Yahya said at the end. This showed the meeting’s serious mood. People from all six states in the zone talked about growing dangers: attacks on bodies, online watching, and money troubles.

These have weakened the media’s power in society. They criticized low pay and poor roads and buildings in the area. They warned that without quick changes, journalists could lose their importance.

After long talks, the group made strong decisions like a plan to bring back media strength. First, they praised Northeast leaders for bringing back the zone’s old strength. They told state groups to work closely with the national office on big projects.

Worries about the 2027 elections were a big focus. They ordered strong safety rules. State groups must check risks before sending reporters out and protect phones and computers from spies. This way, journalists can report news without fear.

On worker care, they pushed hard for full life and health insurance for all journalists. This should cover doctor visits and hospital stays for those in government and private jobs. They also supported the “Adamawa Model” for pay. This is a plan to make laws that raise salaries based on years of work. It aims to give journalists fair money.

They directly asked Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to sign the state’s Media Bill soon. They called it a big step for better care and an example for other states. “This is not a gift; it’s fair treatment for those who watch leaders,” one member said.

They also encouraged strong work rules: Stick to ethics, do honest reporting, and bring back respect for the job. For the future, they said use AI and new tech to do better work, save money, and stay strong in the online world.

Outside of work, they focused on money planning for after retirement. They also want equal chances for women journalists and to remove blocks that hold them back. They thanked the Adamawa government for improving the city but asked for help: Build a nice new office for NUJ to fit the modern look, and give a new bus for travel.

On union matters, they warned about late or missing membership fees. They said not paying takes away benefits from members. They announced a new five-year plan soon, so local groups must list their big goals.

Bigger problems included bad federal roads in the Northeast. They called them “death traps” that cause danger and hurt business. They asked the federal government to fix them fast. On the North East Development Commission (NEDC), they were upset.

It gets lots of money but does poor work. So, they plan a media trip to check projects. “We watch for the people; bad work will be called out,” the statement said. They promised to report any group that fails.

In the end, everyone gave strong support to Yahya and his team for their first year. They said the NUJ is now in a great place.

The statement was written by a group led by Chairman Mathew Eliud Jen. Members included Umar Sa’idu (Bauchi Chairman), Nuwamayinah Iddah, Alhassan Sule Mamudo, and Secretary Abdulkareem Haruna.

As Nigeria gets ready for tough times in democracy, this call from NUJ Northeast is more than words—it’s a plan for safe, paid, and strong journalists. One person said: “The pen must stay strong, or the Northeast’s stories will not be told.”