Hungry Journalist Is Silenced Journalist, Says NLC President

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has issued a passionate call for urgent reforms in the Nigerian media industry, warning that the dignity and freedom of the press are under severe threat due to worsening welfare conditions for journalists.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, in Abuja on Tuesday,  Ajaero declared, “A hungry journalist is a silenced journalist. An insecure journalist cannot hold power to account.”

Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society,” the labour leader stressed that journalists are first and foremost workers, and must be treated with dignity, fair remuneration, and adequate protection.

He lamented that while journalists continue to play a crucial role in strengthening democracy and holding power to account, many are being subjected to harsh working conditions, including unpaid salaries, lack of pension remittances, and absence of health insurance.

“We are in a time where truth is under assault, and the journalist is now, more than ever, a worker under siege,” Ajaero said.

To address these issues, the NLC president proposed the introduction of a minimum wage framework for journalists, a frontline insurance scheme, and the creation of a Media Welfare Monitoring Taskforce comprising the NUJ, NLC, civil society groups, and relevant government agencies. He assured the Congress’ readiness to partner with the NUJ at all levels to defend press freedom and journalist welfare.

In a show of international solidarity, the Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, commended the NUJ for organising a timely and significant event. He described journalists as critical players in national development and champions of global understanding.

“Journalists are the witnesses of our country’s development. They represent a very important sector and energy that helps to move our country forward,” Jianxing said.

He highlighted the growing cooperation between the China Cultural Center and the NUJ as a means to strengthen bilateral relations in media, education, culture, and tourism. He pledged the continued support of the Center and the Chinese Embassy in promoting media collaboration and cultural diplomacy.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ifeanyi Nnadi, Assistant Public Relations and Marketing Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, reaffirmed the hotel’s commitment to institutions that promote societal advancement. He lauded the longstanding partnership between the hotel and the NUJ and highlighted Transcorp Hilton’s dedication to hospitality, innovation, and social responsibility.

“This award is not just for us; it is for the NUJ, the media, and the nation at large,” he said, referencing the hotel’s recent recognition as Africa’s Leading Business Hotel by the World Travel Awards.

He urged journalists to take pride in the enduring partnership and continue to champion excellence in both media and nation-building.

In her opening remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, welcomed dignitaries and attendees while emphasising the vital role of journalism in sustaining democracy, national unity, and public accountability.

She said the Press Week was not just an annual celebration but a solemn opportunity to honour the sacrifices of journalists who brave personal risk to report the truth. She acknowledged the sweeping changes affecting journalism, including AI, disinformation, and the fast-paced influence of social media.

“Behind every byline, broadcast, or headline lies the untold sacrifice of a journalist committed to truth,” Ike said.

To strengthen the profession, Comrade Ike unveiled a series of ambitious reforms under her leadership. These include the modernization of the NUJ Congress Hall, completion of the Pentagon Hall project, procurement of a coastal bus for the union, establishment of a new welfare scheme, and the development of the NUJ Journalists’ Village.

She described the projects as essential steps toward building an empowered and professional media workforce in the FCT, and expressed gratitude to media houses and partners supporting the union amidst economic headwinds.

The event’s highlight was the unveiling of the union’s official magazine and the presentation of awards to deserving journalists and stakeholders who have demonstrated excellence and commitment to the profession.