By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council has expressed deep concern over worsening socio-economic conditions affecting residents of the territory, including persistent water scarcity, rising fuel prices, irregular power supply and delays in the implementation of the new minimum wage.
These concerns were highlighted during the NUJ FCT Council Congress held in Abuja on Saturday, where journalists deliberated extensively on issues affecting public welfare and the general state of affairs within the territory and across the country.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Congress lamented the continuous increase in the price of fuel and its ripple effects on the cost of living for Nigerians. The union urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently introduce measures that would cushion the economic hardship currently being experienced by citizens.
The Congress also expressed concern over the prolonged scarcity of potable water in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory. It called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to take immediate steps to address the situation in order to prevent possible outbreaks of communicable diseases that could arise from poor hygiene due to lack of access to clean water.
Journalists at the Congress further decried the persistent problem of irregular electricity supply across the country, particularly in the FCT. They urged relevant authorities to take urgent action to stabilise power supply, noting that reliable electricity is critical to economic productivity and the overall quality of life of residents.
On workers’ welfare, the Congress noted with concern that the new minimum wage approved for federal government workers since last year had yet to be fully implemented. The union therefore called on the Federal Government to expedite the implementation process to help alleviate the economic challenges facing workers.
The Congress also drew attention to the resurgence of refuse heaps in several parts of the capital city. It urged the FCTA to ensure the prompt evacuation and proper management of waste in order to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain environmental sanitation.
Environmental concerns also featured prominently in the deliberations, as Congress raised alarm over increasing cases of deforestation within the FCT, particularly the indiscriminate felling of Melina trees. The union called on both government authorities and residents to promote tree planting and environmental conservation as part of efforts to mitigate the rising heat waves currently being experienced across the territory.
In addition, the Congress expressed concern over the increasing number of mentally ill persons roaming the streets of the Federal Capital Territory. It called on the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant agencies to take urgent steps to rehabilitate and provide proper care for such individuals in the interest of public safety and human dignity.
The journalists also raised alarm over the growing activities of criminal syndicates operating “one chance” robbery operations across parts of the territory. Congress therefore urged the FCT Minister, security agencies and law enforcement authorities to restrategise and intensify security operations to curb the menace and ensure the safety of residents and commuters.
The Congress concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to continue advocating policies and actions that promote good governance, public welfare and sustainable development. It also called on relevant government authorities to treat the highlighted issues with urgency in the interest of the health, safety and overall well-being of residents of the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerians at large.
