On Sunday, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) called on President Bola Tinubu to address the ongoing issue of the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
The union also emphasized the need for the President to resolve the outstanding matters with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to prevent another major crisis.
In a 17-paragraph communique issued at the end of its quarterly meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the NUJ stressed the importance of the government considering the joint labor recommendation on the minimum wage issue.
NUJ President Chris Isiguzo, speaking to the press, noted that the Federal Government’s approved N62,000 minimum wage does not reflect the current economic reality in Nigeria.
He urged the government to promptly address the ASUU issues to avoid another indefinite strike, highlighting its detrimental effects on students.
Isiguzo also warned security agents and politicians against further attacks on journalists nationwide. He stated that the union would no longer tolerate constant assaults on its members by security forces or political figures.
The communique further reads, “NEC frowns at the lingering insecurity across the nation, especially kidnapping and violent crimes in the South East, insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, rising militancy in the South-South, and kidnapping in the South West.
Additionally, cattle rustling and attacks on farmlands in the North Central by herders are of grave concern.”
“NEC calls on the heads of the nation’s security apparatus to address these issues urgently.”
“NEC expresses dismay at the increasing cost of living, particularly the rising prices of essential commodities, which are becoming unbearable for Nigerians.
The Federal Government must implement immediate measures to alleviate the suffering faced by the population.”
“NEC is concerned about the delay in production at the Dangote Refinery, which could have eased the current economic hardship in the country.”
“NEC condemns the incessant vandalization of power installations supplying electricity to parts of the North East and other regions.
It calls on the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Ministry of Power to restore electricity supply to the affected states immediately.”
The NUJ also highlighted the need for adequate protection for journalists as the nation prepares for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
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