By Adamu Yusuf
The Federal Government has been urged to introduce a special salary structure for employees of government-owned media organisations in response to prevailing economic realities and in line with global best practices in the industry.
The call was made by the Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, during a media parley held in Katsina to mark the 75th anniversary of Radio Nigeria.
Alhaji Kankara, who is also the District Head of Ketare, said media professionals provide essential services under challenging conditions, often at personal risk, while informing, educating and entertaining the public, as well as promoting national unity and security.
He noted that journalists frequently work long and irregular hours, including nights, weekends and public holidays, often away from their families. According to him, a special welfare package would adequately reward their sacrifices and enhance productivity.
The demand for improved remuneration has continued to receive support from major stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and various civil society organisations.
While congratulating Radio Nigeria on 75 years of broadcasting excellence, Alhaji Kankara also called on the Federal Government to provide solar power systems across the corporation’s stations to improve operational efficiency.
He further urged the Federal Government and the management of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) to fully digitise operations in order to sustain the organisation’s position as one of Africa’s leading broadcasters.
Journalists at the event commended the NUJ Patron for his continued advocacy for media workers’ welfare and also felicitated Radio Nigeria on its enduring contributions to Nigeria’s broadcasting sector.
