NUJ FCT Council urges Wike to rescue dilapidated Secretariat, decries Power outages, rising Data costs

…Decry High Cost of Living, Data, Poor Electricity Supply

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called on the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to urgently intervene in addressing the poor state of infrastructure at the Council Secretariat located in Utako, Abuja.

This appeal was one of the major resolutions from the second Congress of the NUJ FCT Council, which held on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Delegates at the meeting expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the secretariat used for Congresses, saying it is unsuitable for a professional body of journalists in the country’s capital.

The Congress appealed to Minister Wike, popularly known as “Mr. Project” for his numerous development projects across the FCT, to extend similar efforts to the NUJ Secretariat.

They also urged him to assist in completing the long-abandoned NUJ Pentagon, which was planned to be a landmark building for journalists in Abuja.

“The current state of our secretariat is appalling. We are earnestly appealing to the Honourable 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 Congress stated.

Beyond infrastructure, the Congress also drew attention to pressing socio-economic challenges affecting Abuja residents and Nigerians in general. Members decried the constant power outages across the FCT, blaming the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for inefficiency.

They warned that the unreliable electricity supply is hurting productivity and lowering the standard of living.

They also expressed frustration over the increasing cost of telecommunications and internet data, describing it as a growing financial burden on citizens.

The Congress called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate billing systems and take steps to make data services more affordable and protect consumers.

Another major concern raised was the alarming rate of maternal deaths, which the union linked to economic hardship and rising inflation.

The Congress called on the Federal Government to provide free maternal healthcare services, including pre-natal, ante-natal, and post-natal care, to reduce preventable deaths and ease the burden on expectant mothers.

The NUJ FCT Congress concluded by reaffirming its commitment to championing the welfare of journalists and the general public, promising to continue engaging relevant authorities on these critical issues.

Signed:
Odigie Ehidiamen Kelvin – Chairman, Communiqué Committee
Kehinde Ayanfe – Member, Communiqué Committee
Ebriku John – Member, Communiqué Committee