NUJ FCT Chair Warns Poor Welfare Threatens Journalism Ahead Of 2027 Polls

The Chairman of the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Grace Ike, has raised concerns over the welfare and health conditions of journalists in Nigeria, warning that poor working conditions could undermine credible reporting ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ike spoke on Monday in Abuja during a two-kilometre walk, jog and fitness exercise organised as part of activities marking the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week, themed around strengthening democracy through responsible journalism ahead of the polls.

She said the theme of this year’s Press Week focuses on safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy through ethical reporting, while also addressing the physical and mental challenges faced by media practitioners.

According to her, the fitness exercise was designed to promote wellness among journalists, who often work under intense pressure, tight deadlines, and stressful conditions.

“Press for mental health is all we are asking. We must make mental health a habit. Healthy journalists, strong democracy,” she said.

Ike noted that journalists walked through Abuja to highlight the importance of physical and mental fitness in carrying out their constitutional role of holding government accountable and strengthening democratic governance.

She lamented the worsening welfare conditions in the media industry, including low pay, delayed salaries, intimidation, and workplace harassment.

The NUJ chairman warned that poor remuneration was stifling creativity and productivity among journalists across the country.

She revealed that a recent medical outreach for over 300 journalists showed a high prevalence of hypertension, with several participants unaware of their condition, underscoring the need for improved healthcare support.

“We are underpaid. When families are poorly catered for, productivity and creativity suffer,” she said, urging media owners to prioritise timely salary payments and better working conditions.

Ike also warned journalists against disinformation, fake news, and unethical reporting ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing the need for professionalism and balance in political coverage.

She further criticised aspects of the Cybercrime Act, noting that it had increasingly been used against journalists, and called for caution, accuracy, and adherence to ethical standards in reporting.

She urged Nigerians to reject fake news and attacks on journalists, insisting that responsible journalism remains critical to sustaining democracy.