By Chioma Vivian James
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, at its October 2026 Congress held in Abuja, deliberated on issues affecting the welfare of journalists, the Union, the nation and the practice of journalism, particularly in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
After extensive deliberations, Congress resolved as follows:
STATE OF THE UNION
Responsible Journalism Ahead of 2027 Elections
Congress called on journalists and media organisations to uphold the highest standards of professional and ethical journalism as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Members were urged to exercise caution in the gathering, verification and publication of political information, particularly content capable of inflaming tensions, misleading the public or undermining peaceful democratic participation.
Congress emphasised the need for journalists to fact-check information before publication and to give all relevant parties a fair opportunity to respond to allegations.
Compliance with the NUJ Code of Ethics
Congress reiterated the importance of adherence to the provisions of the NUJ Code of Ethics and other professional standards governing journalism.
Members were encouraged to ensure that their reports are accurate, balanced, fair and in the public interest.
Use of the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee
Congress noted concerns over the tendency of some members to take disputes involving fellow journalists directly to security agencies and other external institutions without first exhausting the Union’s internal mechanisms.
Congress therefore urged members to make use of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Council in resolving professional and ethical disputes within the journalism community.
Members were reminded that the existence of the committee provides an established platform for addressing complaints and disagreements among practitioners in accordance with the principles and procedures of the Union.
Commendation of the FCT Council Leadership
Congress acknowledged the efforts of the FCT Council leadership under the chairmanship of Comrade Grace Ike, particularly its interventions on issues affecting members, including the ongoing efforts on health insurance and other welfare matters.
A member who spoke during the Congress expressed appreciation to the Council for its intervention on health insurance, noting that members were already benefiting from the initiative.
Younger Journalists and Mentorship
Congress called for greater participation of younger journalists in Union activities and urged the Council to develop initiatives capable of attracting more young practitioners to Congress meetings.
Members also advocated the introduction of structured mentorship programmes through which experienced journalists can transfer professional knowledge, skills and ethical values to younger members.
Congress noted that strengthening mentorship would contribute to the development of the next generation of journalists and enhance professionalism within the industry.
STATE OF THE NATION
Regulation of Locally Manufactured Products
Congress expressed concern over issues surrounding the regulation and certification of products manufactured in Nigeria.
Speaking on recent developments involving the regulation of locally produced products, Felix Ojo called for greater clarity and coordination among relevant regulatory agencies.
He particularly questioned the role being played by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in ensuring that products manufactured locally meet required standards.
Congress stressed the importance of effective regulation, quality control and consumer protection, while also encouraging policies that support legitimate Nigerian manufacturers.
2027 Elections and Professional Responsibility
Congress further deliberated on the responsibilities of journalists in the build-up to the 2027 elections.
Princess Halima Jubril urged journalists to exercise caution and professionalism in their coverage of political activities, stressing the importance of fact-checking before publishing reports.
She encouraged journalists to ensure that their reports do not expose themselves or their organisations to avoidable legal or professional difficulties.
She also cautioned journalists against cyberbullying, inflammatory publications and the misuse of social media platforms.
According to her, journalists should apply wisdom in their reporting and allow professional ethics to guide their coverage of political actors and campaigns.
Security and Protection of NYSC Members
Congress commended the Nigerian security agencies for their efforts in rescuing members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were reportedly targeted while travelling to their orientation camp.
Members expressed concern over attacks involving young Nigerians participating in the national service programme and called for stronger measures to protect corps members travelling to and from their places of deployment.
Congress stressed that the safety of NYSC members and other young Nigerians must remain a priority for relevant security authorities.
Peaceful 2027 Electoral Process
Congress called on journalists, political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful electoral environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Journalists were urged to report political activities responsibly, avoid unverified claims and refrain from publications capable of escalating political tensions.
Congress also reminded members that their responsibility as journalists is to inform the public accurately and provide citizens with credible information needed to make informed decisions.
RESOLUTIONS
At the end of the deliberations, Congress resolved to:
Strengthen adherence to professional ethics and responsible journalism among members.
Encourage members to fact-check all political and other sensitive reports before publication.
Promote the use of the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee in resolving professional disputes among members.
Develop mentorship initiatives to encourage and train younger journalists.
Sustain welfare interventions, including efforts aimed at improving members’ access to health insurance.
Encourage responsible use of social media by journalists and discourage cyberbullying and inflammatory content.
Promote balanced, fair and credible coverage of the 2027 electoral process.
Encourage relevant authorities to strengthen the protection of NYSC members and other vulnerable citizens.
Promote effective regulation and quality assurance of products manufactured in Nigeria while ensuring that legitimate local manufacturers are not unduly hindered.
Continue to engage relevant government agencies and stakeholders on issues affecting journalists, the media and the wider Nigerian society.
Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to the promotion of press freedom, professional journalism, journalists’ welfare, ethical standards and the public interest.
Signed:
Princess Joy Idam,
Gift Chapi Odekina,
Funke Ishola
Communique Drafting Committee Joy Idam