The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has held its inaugural meeting under the leadership of Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, with key resolutions taken to strengthen journalism practice and address pressing national issues.
The meeting, which took place on Saturday, 21st June 2025, at Josto Apartments and Suites in Abuja, had in attendance members of the Central Working Committee (CWC), as well as Chairmen and Secretaries of State Councils across the country.
In line with constitutional provisions, the NEC formally inaugurated newly elected Chairmen and Secretaries of State Councils who had concluded their elections ahead of the meeting. It also endorsed plans to upgrade the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) to expand its capacity to issue a wider range of professional certificates, thereby enhancing training and career development for journalists.
President Alhassan Yahaya emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building for journalists, especially in emerging areas such as cybercrime reporting. He urged journalists to remain professional, ethical, and committed to the public interest.
The NEC strongly condemned the activities of impostors posing as journalists using fake press stickers and identification. It called on security agencies and the general public to remain alert and report such individuals to appropriate authorities.
On internal matters, NEC mandated the National Secretariat to compile nominees across zones for the conduct of a bye-election into the Office of the National Auditor. It also received nominations for vacant positions of Zonal Trustees and Ex-Officio members of the CWC, with some zonal leaders granted additional time for consultations.
Addressing national security concerns, NEC called on the Federal Government to prioritize the protection of lives and property amid the rising wave of killings across the country. It further urged the government to address poverty and unemployment as root causes of insecurity.
In the area of infrastructure, NEC appealed for urgent reconstruction and rehabilitation of dilapidated federal highways across the country. It also stressed the need for government to support farmers with adequate agricultural inputs to ensure a successful planting season, enhance food security, and stimulate economic growth.
Following deliberation on the report of a committee investigating allegations of gross misconduct against Delta State Council Chairman Churchill Oyowe and Secretary Victor Sorokwu, NEC directed both officers to tender an unreserved apology to the petitioners within one week and work towards restoring unity in the Council, with a report expected to be submitted to the National Secretariat.
The Council commended the National Leadership of NUJ for intervening in the timely release of journalists who had been unlawfully detained in Ogun, Kwara, and Lagos States, while reminding practitioners to remain within ethical boundaries.
A unanimous vote of confidence was passed on Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi and the Central Working Committee for their visionary leadership and commitment to the growth and unity of the Union.
The NEC also used the occasion to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, marking a significant milestone in the Union’s history.
The communiqué was signed by NUJ National Secretary Achike Chude and drafted by a committee led by Abdulrazak Bello Kaura (Zone A), with Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha (Bayelsa State Council) and Comrade Amos Etuk (Akwa Ibom State Council) as members.