The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised concerns over worsening socio-economic conditions affecting residents of the nation’s capital, including rising fuel prices, persistent water scarcity, irregular electricity supply and delays in the implementation of the new minimum wage for federal workers.
The concerns were contained in a communiqué issued at the NUJ FCT Council Congress held on Saturday in Abuja.
In the communiqué, members of the union deliberated on key issues affecting the welfare of residents within the FCT and across the country, urging relevant authorities to take urgent steps to address the growing challenges.
On the rising cost of petrol, the congress observed that the continuous increase in fuel prices has significantly worsened the cost of living for Nigerians. The union therefore called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to introduce measures that would ease the economic burden on citizens.
The congress also expressed concern over the prolonged scarcity of potable water in several communities across the territory. It warned that the situation could lead to outbreaks of communicable diseases due to poor sanitation and hygiene.
Members urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by the Minister, Nyesom Wike, to urgently intervene and restore stable water supply to affected areas.
Similarly, the congress decried the persistent challenge of irregular electricity supply, particularly within the FCT, noting that the development continues to hinder economic productivity and affect the quality of life of residents. It called on relevant authorities in the power sector to take decisive action toward stabilising electricity supply nationwide.
On workers’ welfare, the union expressed concern that the new minimum wage approved for federal government workers last year has yet to be fully implemented. The congress therefore urged the Federal Government to expedite the process to cushion the economic hardship currently faced by workers.
The communiqué also highlighted growing environmental and sanitation concerns in the territory. The congress noted the re-emergence of refuse heaps in several parts of the FCT and called on the FCTA to ensure prompt evacuation of waste and strengthen waste management systems to prevent possible disease outbreaks.
In addition, the union raised alarm over increasing deforestation, particularly the indiscriminate cutting of melina trees within the territory. It urged government agencies and residents to prioritise tree planting and environmental conservation to help mitigate the rising heat waves being experienced in the capital.
The congress further expressed concern over the growing number of mentally ill persons roaming the streets of the FCT. It called on the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant agencies to provide rehabilitation and proper care for affected individuals in the interest of public safety and human dignity.
Security was also a major issue discussed at the meeting, with the union raising alarm over the increasing activities of “one chance” robbery syndicates targeting commuters in parts of the territory.
The NUJ FCT Council therefore called on the FCT Minister and security agencies to intensify surveillance and adopt proactive strategies to curb the menace.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies that promote good governance, public welfare and sustainable development, while urging government authorities to address the highlighted concerns with urgency in the interest of residents of the FCT and Nigerians at large.
