Address the Deplorable Roads in the Northeast – NUJ Pleads With FG
By Lynn Adda
The Federal Government has been urged to urgently address the deplorable condition of federal roads across the Northeast region of the country.
This was part of the resolutions reached at the end of the joint session of the Northeast zonal meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ held in Yola, the Adamawa State capital between the 4th and 6th of December 2025.
The session expressed deep concern over what it described as “the terrible state of federal roads across the Northeast”, noting that the dilapidation has adversely affected lives, increased security risks and crippled economic activities in the region.
The session equally expressed dismay that the North East Development Commission, NEDC is not living up to its expectations despite huge funding.
“Consequently, the Union resolved to embark on a comprehensive media tour of the zone to assess the state and quality of projects by the NEDC. The Congress warned that as the watchdog of society, it will not tolerate substandard projects and is prepared to “call out” any agency failing in its responsibility to the people”.
The Meeting equally deliberated on the state of the media, the welfare of practitioners, and the future of democracy in Nigeria.
The session also engaged in comprehensive deliberations on the challenges and prospects of the profession in the zone.
The Session observed the increasing physical, digital, and economic risks faced by journalists, particularly in the Northeast.
It noted the urgent need to revive the societal influence of the media and observed the gross inadequacy of current remuneration structures.
Furthermore, the meeting expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of infrastructure in the region and the quality of intervention projects being executed.
After exhaustive deliberations, the Session commended the collective leadership and members of the Northeast Zone for successfully reclaiming the Zone’s “lost glory” and restoring its vibrancy.
It therefore charged all State Council officials to work hand-in-hand with the National Secretariat to ensure the seamless execution and success of national projects.
On Safety Protocols for 2027 Elections, the Session mandated all Councils to enforce strict safety protocols ahead of the general elections.
“This includes mandatory pre-assignment risk assessments and the digital “hardening” of devices against surveillance to ensure the safety of journalists”.
The Session demanded the immediate implementation of comprehensive Life and Health Insurance schemes for all practitioners, emphasizing the need for the scheme to cover access to both primary and secondary healthcare packages for journalists in both the public and private sectors.
The Session advocated for the broad adoption of the “Adamawa Model,” which seeks to legislate increased emoluments and weigh remuneration based on years of practice, to better reflect the professional standing of journalists.
“The Congress passionately called on the Executive Governor of Adamawa State to kindly assent to the Media Bill currently before him to operationalize the improved welfare model and set a precedent for other states”.
On Professionalism and Ethics, the Session charged all members to “keep the flag flying” by adhering strictly to the ethics of the profession.
“It was resolved that journalists must perform their duties diligently to restore the respect, dignity, and influence the profession once commanded”.
The Congress urged journalists to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technological tools to improve job performance, ensure economic efficiency, and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“The Session urged members to prioritize financial planning for life after service. It also resolved to ensure equal opportunities for women journalists, mandating the removal of systemic barriers to enable them to achieve their full potentials.
“The Session commended the Adamawa State Government for its urban renewal strides and appealed to the Governor to assist in building a magnificent Office Complex at the NUJ Secretariat to align with the state’s modernization agenda.
“To enhance union activities and mobility, the Session made a specific plea to the Adamawa State Government to graciously donate a brand-new bus to the State Council”.
The session also expressed concerns over the issue of delayed or non-payment of checkoff dues by member councils. The session therefore insists that members must be up and doing in that regard, stressing that non-payments of due strip journalists from benefits of membership.
The session also hinted that the NUJ would soon be rolling its five years strategic plan, hence Chapel, Councils and zonal offices are expected to list out key projects and activities that they would be embarking upon within the said period.
Participants at the session have also unanimously passed a resounding vote of confidence on the leadership of the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, and his team, especially for taking the union to an enviable position in the last one year.
The Communique issued at the end of the joint session was signed by the
Communique Drafting Committee, comprising Mathew Eliud Jen as the Chairman, Umar Sa’idu, Nuwamayinah Iddah and Alhassan Sule Mamudo as Members while Abdulkareem Haruna, served as the Secretary of the Committee.
