In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has sounded an urgent alarm. At their second Congress on April 12, 2025, held at their crumbling Secretariat in Utako, journalists gathered not just to deliberate but to demand action. Their voices echoed a unified plea to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike—known as “Mr Project” for his transformative infrastructure strides—to turn his attention to their dilapidated headquarters and address broader socio-economic woes strangling residents.
The NUJ FCT Secretariat, meant to be a hub for journalistic excellence, is a shadow of its intended glory. Delegates painted a grim picture: crumbling walls, outdated facilities, and a space unfit for a professional body in the nation’s capital. “The current state of our secretariat is appalling,” the Congress declared in its resolution, urging Wike to undertake a facility tour and witness the decay firsthand. They believe his leadership could breathe life into the long-stalled NUJ Pentagon project—a envisioned landmark for journalists that remains incomplete, mired in delays.
“This isn’t just about a building,” said Odigie Ehidiamen Kelvin, Chairman of the Communiqué Committee, addressing attendees. “It’s about dignity, functionality, and creating a legacy for journalism in Abuja.” The Congress sees Wike’s proven track record—evident in gleaming roads and revitalized public spaces across the FCT—as a beacon of hope. They’re banking on his intervention to transform the Secretariat into a space that reflects the NUJ’s vital role in society.
But the NUJ’s concerns stretch far beyond their own walls. The Congress turned a spotlight on the daily struggles of Abuja’s residents, amplifying issues that resonate across Nigeria. Power outages, a persistent thorn in the side of productivity, were pinned squarely on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). “Erratic electricity isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s choking businesses and quality of life,” one delegate remarked. The Union called for urgent reforms to stabilize the grid.
Telecommunications costs also drew sharp criticism. Skyrocketing internet and data prices have become a financial albatross for citizens, including journalists who rely on connectivity to report stories. The Congress pressed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to probe billing practices and enforce affordability measures, arguing that access to information shouldn’t be a luxury.
Perhaps most heart-wrenching was the NUJ’s focus on maternal mortality. Linking rising deaths to economic hardship and runaway inflation, they painted a stark reality: expectant mothers are losing their lives to preventable causes. The Congress issued a clarion call to the Federal Government for free maternal healthcare—covering pre-natal, ante-natal, and post-natal services—to ease the burden on families and save lives. “No mother should die because she can’t afford care,” said Kehinde Ayanfe, a Communiqué Committee member, her voice heavy with resolve.
For the journalists, these issues are personal. They live the same power cuts, grapple with the same data costs, and worry for the same families. Yet their commitment remains unshaken. The NUJ FCT Council pledged to keep engaging authorities, advocating not just for their profession but for the public’s welfare. “We’re not just reporting the story—we’re living it,” said Ebriku John, another committee member. “And we won’t stop pushing for change.”
As the Congress wrapped up, a sense of cautious optimism lingered. Wike’s reputation precedes him, but the scale of the challenges—crumbling infrastructure, economic strain, systemic healthcare gaps—looms large. For now, the NUJ waits, hoping their appeal will spark action, not just for their Secretariat but for the millions navigating the same hardships in Nigeria’s capital and beyond.
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