NUJ Decries Rising Insecurity, Poverty Threatening Workers

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has raised concerns over the worsening effects of insecurity and poverty on Nigerian workers, calling for urgent and decisive intervention to protect livelihoods and promote decent work.

In a statement to mark the 2026 International Workers’ Day, Ike said this year’s theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” reflects the difficult realities facing workers across the country.

She noted that rising insecurity and economic hardship continue to undermine productivity, threaten livelihoods, and weaken the dignity of labour.

According to her, journalists in the FCT operate in a challenging environment where safety risks are increasingly common, adding that insecurity not only endangers lives but also restricts access to information and affects effective reporting.

Ike commended members of the NUJ FCT Council for their resilience and commitment to ethical journalism despite prevailing challenges.

She also highlighted the impact of inflation and rising living costs on workers, noting that economic pressure continues to affect welfare, morale, and productivity.

The NUJ chairman stressed that decent work must go beyond employment to include fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for professional growth.

She urged governments at all levels to strengthen security measures and implement policies that directly address poverty and improve living standards.

Ike further called on media organisations and employers to improve workers’ welfare through fair remuneration, insurance coverage, better working conditions, and continuous training.

She encouraged journalists to remain united in advocating for their rights and professional standards while continuing to highlight issues affecting society.

She expressed optimism that sustained collective action would drive meaningful change and improve conditions for workers nationwide.

By Sophina Ovuike, Abuja