NUJ FCT Congress Tackles Insecurity, School Safety, Abuja Water Shortage

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called on security agencies to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity across the country, while urging governments at all levels to prioritise the protection of lives, property and educational institutions.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NUJ FCT Council Congress held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Abuja, where over 500 members were in attendance.

The Congress urged journalists to continue reporting security issues accurately, objectively and responsibly in the public interest, while maintaining professional ethics and holding public institutions accountable.

It also advised media practitioners to prioritise their personal safety and that of their families while carrying out professional duties, stressing the need for vigilance and adherence to security precautions, particularly during daily commutes.

On the country’s security challenges, the Congress called on security agencies to strengthen efforts to combat crime and insecurity, noting that the protection of citizens must remain a top priority for government and security institutions at all levels.

The journalists further emphasised the importance of transparency and accuracy in official security communications, urging security agencies to provide information that reflects realities on the ground and inspires public confidence. The Congress noted that incidents involving kidnappings, abductions and other security breaches should be communicated with clarity and honesty.

The Congress also called for the full implementation of the Safe School Initiative, urging governments at all levels to ensure the programme’s benefits reach schools nationwide. It stressed that officials responsible for implementing the initiative should be held accountable, adding that many attacks on schools could be prevented through effective enforcement of existing security policies.

In addition, the Congress urged the Federal and State Governments to prioritise the security of educational institutions by providing perimeter fencing, deploying security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and adopting other necessary protective measures to safeguard students, teachers and school facilities.

The meeting expressed concern over persistent water supply challenges affecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory and called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to urgently address the situation to alleviate hardship faced by residents.

The Congress also appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to strengthen engagement with journalists in the FCT and foster a closer working relationship with the media, particularly on issues relating to security reporting and public information management.

According to the Congress, enhanced collaboration between government and the media would improve public understanding of government initiatives and facilitate more effective dissemination of information.

Furthermore, the Congress called on the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to organise regular seminars, workshops and conferences on national security reporting to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills required to report security matters professionally, responsibly and safely.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and public-interest journalism, the Congress pledged to continue promoting peace, security and national development while advocating policies and actions that enhance the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

The communiqué was signed by the committee members: Comrade Monica Danbauchi, Comrade Raphael Towoju and Comrade Ediri Oyibo.