…Further bemoans epileptic power supply, rising fuel Prices, others
Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, rose from their Congress meeting on Saturday, March 14, 2026 decrying the general state of affairs in the nation’s capital in particular and Nigeria at large.
The NUJ FCT Council Congress in a communique after careful deliberations, noted with concern the prolonged scarcity of portable water in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory, thus called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to as a matter of importance, urgently address the situation to prevent possible outbreaks of communicable diseases that may arise from poor hygiene caused by acute shortage of water in the nation’s capital.
The NUJ FCT Council also specifically expressed serious concern over the increasing activities of criminal elements operating “one chance” robbery syndicates across parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Union particularly called on the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, security agencies, and other relevant law enforcement authorities to urgently restrategise and intensify security operations to tackle the menace and ensure the safety of residents and commuters within the territory.
The NUJ, FCT Council also took a critical look at what it described as the re-emergence of refuse heaps in several locations across the Federal Capital Territory and urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to take immediate steps to ensure the prompt evacuation and proper management of waste in order to prevent outbreaks of diseases and maintain environmental sanitation.
The Union pointedly decried the persistent problem of irregular power supply across the country, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory.
The umbrella body of journalists in the country, therefore urged the relevant authorities to take appropriate and urgent steps to stabilise electricity supply in order to improve economic productivity and the quality of life of citizens.
The communique which was signed by Comrade Sharon Emephia, Secretary, Communiqué Drafting Committee, particularly expressed concern over the uncontrolled escalating rise in the price of premium motor spirit (petrol) and its attendant negative impact on the cost of living for Nigerians.
The NUJ Congress therefore urged the Federal Government to urgently introduce measures that will mitigate the economic hardship currently being experienced by citizens.
It also noted with concern that the new minimum wage approved for Federal Government workers since last year is yet to be fully implemented.
Accordingly, the Congress called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the implementation process in order to alleviate the economic difficulties currently faced by workers.
The NUJ FCT Council also expressed concern over increasing cases of deforestation within the Federal Capital Territory, particularly the indiscriminate cutting down of Melina trees.
It called on both government authorities and residents of the FCT to promote tree planting and environmental conservation as part of efforts to mitigate the rising heat waves currently being experienced across the territory.
The NUJ Congress also raised concern over the growing number of mentally ill persons roaming the streets of the nation’s capital and therefore called on the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant agencies of government to take immediate action to rehabilitate and provide necessary care for such individuals in the interest of public safety and human dignity.
The Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ, FCT Council, to continue to advocate policies and actions that promote good governance, public welfare, and sustainable development.
The NUJ FCT Council further called on relevant government authorities to treat the above issues with urgency in the interest of the health, safety, and well-being of residents of the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerians at large.
