FIC Report (Oyo State) – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to immediately begin negotiations with the Federal Government for an upward review of the current N70,000 national minimum wage, saying the prevailing economic realities and rising inflation have significantly eroded its value.
The call formed part of the resolutions reached at the end of the Joint South West Leadership Retreat of the NUJ and NAWOJ, held, recently, at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The three-day retreat, themed “Collaboration, Capacity, and Sustainability for the Future of Journalism,” brought together journalists’ union leaders from the six South-West states to deliberate on the future of the journalism profession, institutional development and challenges confronting the media industry.
Hosted by the Oyo State Council of the NUJ and co-hosted by the Ogun State Council, the retreat attracted national officers, zonal executives, state chairmen and chairpersons, secretaries, and members of the State Working Committees of both NUJ and NAWOJ.
In the communiqué issued at the end of the retreat, the union leaders stressed that unity between the NUJ and NAWOJ remains indispensable, insisting that both bodies must continue to speak with one voice in promoting professionalism and protecting the interests of journalists across the country.
The retreat also reaffirmed the constitutional hierarchy within the union, maintaining that the NUJ remains the parent body of all its affiliated associations, including NAWOJ, while urging leaders at all levels to discharge their responsibilities with humility, mutual respect and strict adherence to constitutional provisions.
As part of efforts to strengthen journalism practice, delegates declared the South-West zone ready to host the forthcoming NUJ National Media Summit, expressing confidence in the region’s capacity to organise a successful national event.
The retreat commended the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Yahya Alhassan, and the national leadership of the union for introducing programmes and initiatives aimed at improving journalism practice and enhancing the welfare and professional development of media practitioners across Nigeria.
On the nation’s economy, participants expressed concern over the rising cost of living, noting that inflation has substantially diminished the purchasing power of workers since the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.
Consequently, the retreat appealed to organised labour, particularly the NLC and TUC, to urgently commence discussions with relevant authorities to secure a more realistic minimum wage capable of reflecting present economic conditions.
The journalists also commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing construction of major road infrastructure across the South-West, describing the projects as strategic to regional economic development and improved connectivity.
They, however, urged contractors handling the road projects to accelerate the pace of work to ensure their timely completion and enable residents to begin enjoying the full benefits of the infrastructure.
The retreat further applauded the peaceful conduct of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election, describing the exercise as a positive development for Nigeria’s democratic process.
The delegates challenged political stakeholders, electoral officials, security agencies and other relevant institutions to replicate the peaceful atmosphere witnessed in Ekiti during the forthcoming 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.
The retreat equally praised the leadership provided by the Deputy National President of the NUJ, Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Oyetunde, alongside the NUJ B-Zone Vice President, Princess Aderonke Afebioye-Samo, for fostering stability, cooperation and unprecedented unity among journalists in the South-West zone.
Participants also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Council of the NUJ for successfully hosting the landmark retreat, while acknowledging the support and cooperation of the other five state councils in the South-West that contributed to the success of the programme.
The communiqué was drafted by a committee chaired by Comrade Seye Ojo, National Trustee of the NUJ, with Comrade Eniola Adeaga, NAWOJ Secretary in Oyo State, serving as secretary, while Comrade Olayinka Olukoya of Ogun State was a member.
The communiqué was jointly endorsed by the Deputy National President of the NUJ, Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Oyetunde, the NUJ B-Zone Vice President, Comrade Aderonke Afebioye-Samo, and the NAWOJ B-Zone Vice President, Comrade Adeola Adekunle, who reaffirmed the commitment of both organisations to deeper collaboration, enhanced professional capacity and sustainable growth of journalism in Nigeria.
Report by Oladapo Olusola, CAI&PRO.
FIC, Ibadan.
