The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has expressed concern over worsening socio-economic and environmental challenges affecting residents of the nation’s capital, including persistent water scarcity, rising fuel prices, delayed implementation of the new minimum wage and growing insecurity.
These concerns were contained in a communiqué issued at the NUJ FCT Council Congress held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, after extensive deliberations on issues affecting citizens and the general state of affairs in the territory and the country.
The communiqué, signed by the Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Sharon Emephia, noted that the continuous increase in the price of petrol has worsened the cost of living for Nigerians. Congress urged the Federal Government to urgently introduce measures that would cushion the economic hardship currently faced by citizens.
On water supply, the journalists’ body expressed worry over the prolonged scarcity of potable water in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory. It called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of the FCT Minister, to urgently address the situation to prevent possible outbreaks of communicable diseases arising from poor hygiene.
Congress also decried the persistent problem of irregular electricity supply across the country, particularly within the FCT, urging relevant authorities to take immediate steps to stabilise power supply in order to boost economic productivity and improve residents’ quality of life.
The union further expressed concern over the delayed implementation of the new minimum wage approved for Federal Government workers since last year, calling on the Federal Government to expedite action on its full implementation to ease the economic burden on workers.
In addition, the Congress raised alarm over the resurgence of refuse heaps in several locations across the FCT and urged the FCTA to ensure prompt evacuation and proper waste management to prevent possible disease outbreaks and maintain environmental sanitation.
On environmental issues, the NUJ warned against increasing cases of deforestation within the territory, particularly the indiscriminate cutting of Melina trees. It called on government authorities and residents to promote tree planting and environmental conservation to help mitigate the rising heatwaves being experienced in the territory.
The union also expressed concern over the growing number of mentally ill persons roaming the streets of the FCT and urged the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant government agencies to take immediate steps to rehabilitate and provide care for affected individuals.
Similarly, Congress condemned the increasing activities of “one chance” robbery syndicates operating across parts of the territory, calling on the FCT Minister, security agencies and other law enforcement authorities to intensify security operations and strategies to safeguard residents and commuters.
READ ALSO: Journalists Must Be Treated With Respect – IGP Disu Says
FCT Enrols Over 150 Journalists in Health Insurance Scheme, Urges Stakeholders to Support Media Welfare
The Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to continue advocating policies and actions that promote good governance, public welfare and sustainable development.
It also urged relevant government authorities to treat the highlighted issues with urgency in the interest of the health, safety and wellbeing of residents of the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerians at large.
About The Author
