Communiqué Issued at the End of the Inaugural Meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) held at Saffar Conference Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, on Thursday, February 13, 2025
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Central Working Committee (CWC) held its inaugural meeting following the election of new executives at the National Delegates’ Conference in Owerri, Imo State, on November 27, 2024.
The meeting, chaired by the President, Alhassan Yahaya, focused on advancing the Union’s objectives and addressing critical issues affecting journalists and the media industry in Nigeria.
Key Resolutions and Deliberations:
1. Commitment to Journalists’ Welfare and Media Development:
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of journalists and enhancing journalism practice in Nigeria. The Union is actively pursuing the passage of the Media Enhancement Bill at the National Assembly, engaging with lawmakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure its success.
2. Economic Sustainability and Revenue Generation:
To ensure the Union’s financial stability, the CWC resolved to explore entrepreneurship and commercial ventures as alternative revenue streams. This initiative aims to support the smooth administration of the Union’s activities and projects.
3. Recognition of Leadership and Strategic Initiatives:
Members of the CWC commended President Alhassan Yahaya for his visionary leadership and urged him to sustain the momentum in driving the Union’s objectives forward.
4. Capacity Building and Training:
The Union announced plans to organize two training workshops for journalists within the first quarter of 2025. These workshops are designed to enhance professional development and equip journalists with skills relevant to the evolving media landscape.
5. Inclusive Leadership and Zonal Representation:
To promote inclusivity and effective coordination, the administration will appoint focal persons for each of the Union’s zones. This measure aims to strengthen communication and ensure that the needs of all regions are adequately addressed.
6. Internal Conflict Resolution:
The CWC emphasized the importance of resolving internal disputes amicably. State Councils are required to route communications through their respective Zonal Offices, while the National Secretariat will copy Zonal Offices in all correspondences to uphold transparency and inclusivity.
7. Recognition of Former NUJ Presidents:
The committee endorsed the President’s initiative to recognize and appreciate past NUJ Presidents through welfare support and other gestures, acknowledging their contributions to the growth of the Union.
8. Accreditation of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ):
The NUJ National Secretariat is collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to secure accreditation for the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), ensuring its programs meet national standards.
9. Check-Off Dues Collection and Financial Transparency:
The Union is in discussions with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) office to ensure that all check-off dues deducted from NUJ members are remitted directly to the Union’s account, promoting financial transparency and accountability.
10. Commendation of Kebbi State Governor:
The CWC expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Nasiru Idris (Kaura Gwamndu), for his commitment to workers’ welfare. The Union commended him for implementing a N75,000 minimum wage, clearing pension and gratuity arrears, and upgrading Kebbi State Radio and Kebbi Television to modern standards.
11. Recognition of Developmental Projects in Kebbi State:
The CWC applauded the Kebbi State Government for its infrastructural advancements, including the construction of township roads, a modern motor park, agricultural investments, and social welfare programs. The Union urged the governor to sustain these efforts in line with his mandate as a unionist par excellence.
12. Aviation Sector Development:
The NUJ-CWC acknowledged the governor’s contributions to the aviation sector, particularly the establishment of an aviation fuel dump. The committee called on the Federal Government to activate the cargo wing of Sir Abubakar International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, to maximize its potentials for economic growth.
13. Call for National Food Security and Security Enhancement:
The NUJ urged the Federal Government to leverage Nigeria’s vast arable land to boost food security. The committee also called on security agencies to intensify efforts in addressing the nation’s security challenges and urged the government to prioritize citizens’ welfare in policy-making.
Communiqué Drafting Committee:
– Zare Baba – Vice President, Zone E
– Ronke Afebioye-Samo – Vice President, Zone B
– Abdulrazak Bello Kaura – Secretary, Zone A
– Achike Chude – National Secretary
