The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, has reaffirmed the union’s commitment to pursuing better welfare packages, improved remuneration, and life insurance coverage for journalists across the country.
He said the initiative is necessary to protect media professionals who put their lives at risk in the course of duty.
Abdullahi while receiving condolence visits from NUJ state councils and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Gombe State Command, stressed that journalists deserve institutional support and financial security, especially those who operate in high-risk environments.
The NUJ president expressed concern over recent incidents in Plateau, Akwa Ibom, and Gombe states, where journalists died while performing official assignments.
He described the losses as painful and avoidable, adding that a functional insurance policy would ensure their families are not left without support.
During the visit, the FRSC Sector Commander in Gombe, Mr Samson Kaura, extended condolences to the union over the deaths recorded in a recent road accident along the Gombe–Yola Road. He prayed for the families of the deceased and wished the injured a quick recovery.
Also, Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Dauda Iliya, and the General Manager of NTA Damaturu, Mr Ahmed Aliyu, commended the journalists’ contributions to national development.
They urged authorities to prioritize journalists’ safety, welfare, and insurance benefits going forward.
RN