The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has voiced serious concern about the escalating cost of telecommunications and internet services in Nigeria.
In a communiqué released after its congress in Abuja, the union described the rising charges as a significant financial strain on citizens.
The document was signed by the Chairman of the Communiqué Committee, Odigie Kelvin, along with members Kehinde Ayanfe and Ebriku John.
The union called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to probe current telecom billing systems and implement policies that promote affordability and protect consumers.
It also appealed to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to address the poor state of infrastructure at the NUJ secretariat.
The communiqué highlighted the deteriorating condition of the facility currently used for union congresses, calling it unsuitable for a professional journalism body based in the nation’s capital.
The union urged Wike, often referred to as “Mr Project,” to intervene in the completion of the long-standing NUJ Pentagon project — a structure envisioned as a symbolic and functional space for journalists in Abuja.
“The current state of our secretariat is appalling. We earnestly request the Minister to visit and see firsthand the infrastructural decline we are experiencing.
“We believe that with his leadership, the secretariat and Pentagon project can be completed and turned into a legacy for the media community,” the statement read.
The NUJ FCT Council also urged improved electricity supply in the capital, calling on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to enhance its services to better support residents and businesses.
It stressed that unreliable power supply was reducing productivity and affecting daily life in the FCT.
Additionally, the union expressed concern over the growing rate of maternal mortality, linking it to inflation and economic hardship.
It called on the Federal Government to provide free maternal healthcare, including pre-natal, ante-natal, and post-natal services, to ease the burden on pregnant women and prevent avoidable deaths.
Reaffirming its dedication to championing the welfare of journalists and the public, the union promised continued dialogue with authorities to tackle these urgent issues.
(NAN)