The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, has called on the state and federal governments to tackle insecurity, restore power supply, and revive state-owned media outlets. At its recent congress held at the IBB Pen House in Minna, the union voiced concern over deteriorating security in Niger North, Zone C, urging prompt intervention from both tiers of government. Journalists also highlighted persistent power outages in Minna and other areas, demanding immediate action. State-owned media organisations like NSTV, Radio Niger, and Newsline Newspaper were described as neglected, with the union calling for their revitalisation to strengthen public broadcasting.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, reaffirmed the government's commitment to transparency, stating, "We maintain a cordial relationship with the media and remain committed to openness and factual reporting." He disclosed plans for a media summit and a statewide media tour to showcase government projects. NUJ State Chairman, Dr Abu Nmodu, pledged the union's support, adding, "Our support is anchored on professionalism, objectivity, and press freedom." The congress approved new NUJ chapels, including one for Nester FM, and ratified the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) executive council. Delegates also raised alarms over a shortage of primary school teachers across the state's 25 local government areas and urged recruitment. The NUJ urged politicians to adopt issue-based campaigns and improve media engagement.
The NUJ's call exposes how deeply dysfunction runs in Niger State's public systems—when even state media like Radio Niger are barely functioning, it reflects a broader collapse of institutional care. Obed Nuhu Nana's promise of a media tour rings hollow without prior fixes to the very infrastructure journalists are expected to report on. If power stays erratic and security unchecked, no amount of media engagement will mask the absence of real governance.
