B y Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the state government ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the state government to devise an effective mechanism to tackle the growing hunger among citizens. The Union acknowledged the administration’s commitment to the "New Niger Development Agenda" but emphasized the need for broader measures to cushion the effects of hardship in the state.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Union's Congress held on Wednesday at the NUJ Press Centre (IBB Pen House), Minna. The Congress, presided over by the Council Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu, reviewed key issues affecting the state and the media industry.
The NUJ noted the government’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives and urged closer monitoring of contractors handling major road projects to ensure timely delivery. It also encouraged the state to patronize local contractors to boost internal revenue circulation and support homegrown businesses.
While commending the state government for helping to crash food prices by releasing grains into the market, the Union raised concern over the growing insecurity in rural areas. It specifically called for greater protection for farmers in Munya, Shiroro, Rafi, Mariga, Rijau, and other vulnerable communities, noting that insecurity remains a significant threat to food production.
The Union urged the state government to support farmers with essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides, and other incentives, especially under the ongoing “Niger Food” initiative. It also condemned the rise in illegal mining activities, describing it as alarming, especially with recent reports of women and children being arrested. The NUJ stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and security agencies to curb illegal mining and properly profile those involved to prevent criminal infiltration.
On media relations, the Congress urged Governor Umaru Bago to consider the media as partners in progress, rather than patronizing media intruders, warning that doing so could expose the government to ridicule. The Union also cautioned journalists in the state against the spread of fake news and unethical reporting that could promote disunity among citizens. It mandated the State Working Committee (SWC) of the NUJ to take firm action against individuals posing as journalists, especially those dominating local airwaves and digital media without proper accreditation.
To sanitize the profession and strengthen internal structures, the Congress inaugurated a seven-member committee led by Pastor Dan Amashingha to authenticate and revalidate NUJ membership across the state. The committee will also consider applications for the establishment of new chapels.
In addition, the Congress approved the organization of a Media Summit and Press Week slated for September 2025. At the end of the event, the Union plans to submit a comprehensive position paper to the state government aimed at improving information management and media engagement.
During the meeting, the Congress also received the new Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Abdul Enenche. In his welcome remarks, Comrade Abu Nmodu assured the director of the Union’s willingness to collaborate with the Centre to help achieve its set objectives.
The communiqué was drafted by a committee chaired by Daniel Atori, with Habiba Dauda Alabura as Secretary, and Jacob Malcolm Galadima as a member.
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