NUJ members of FCT.
The rising cost of telecommunications and internet data in the country has become a source of strong worry to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council.
The NUJ expressed this concern in a communiqué issued after its congress in Abuja, t describing the situation as a heavy financial burden on citizens.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Communiqué Committee, Odigie Kelvin, along with committee members Kehinde Ayanfe and Ebriku John.
The Union urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate current telecommunications billing practices and introduce measures that ensure affordability and consumer protection.
Additionally, the NUJ FCT Council appealed to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to address the state of dilapidated infrastructure at its secretariat.
The appeal was also included in the jointly signed communiqué.
The Union decried the poor condition of the facility currently used for its congresses, describing it as unfit for a professional body of journalists operating in the nation’s capital.
The NUJ called on Wike, popularly known as to come to the Union’s aid in completing the long-delayed NUJ Pentagon project, a building envisioned as a landmark edifice for journalists in Abuja.
Stated the communiqué: “The current state of our secretariat is appalling. We are earnestly appealing to the Minister to undertake a facility tour and see for himself the infrastructural decay we contend with.
“We believe that under his leadership, the secretariat and Pentagon project can finally be transformed into a lasting legacy”.
The union called for improved electricity supply in the FCT, encouraging the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to enhance its efficiency and service delivery to better support residents and businesses.
It noted that poor electricity supply was hampering productivity and negatively impacting quality of life.
Further, the NUJ expressed concern over the increasing rate of maternal mortality.
The Union urged the Federal Government to provide free maternal healthcare services including pre-natal, ante-natal, and post-natal care to alleviate the burden on expectant mothers and reduce preventable deaths.
Reaffirming its commitment to advocating for the welfare of journalists and the general public, the union pledged continued engagement with relevant authorities to address these pressing challenges.
