The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has urged journalists to adhere strictly to professional ethics, verify information and maintain balanced reportage as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The Council made the call at its October 2026 Congress in Abuja on Saturday, where members deliberated on issues concerning journalists’ welfare, professional conduct, the media industry and developments in the country.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the Congress, members cautioned journalists against publishing unverified political information, inflammatory materials and reports capable of misleading the public or heightening tensions.
The Congress emphasised the importance of fact-checking and giving individuals and organisations mentioned in reports adequate opportunity to respond to allegations.
It also reaffirmed the need for journalists to comply with the NUJ Code of Ethics and ensure that their reports are accurate, fair, balanced and in the public interest.
The Congress expressed concern over the practice of some journalists taking professional disagreements involving colleagues to security agencies and other external bodies without first exploring the Union’s internal mechanisms.
It consequently urged members to make greater use of the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for the resolution of professional and ethical disputes.
According to the Congress, the committee provides an established mechanism for addressing complaints and disagreements among practitioners in line with the principles of the Union.
The Congress commended the leadership of the FCT Council, led by Comrade Grace Ike, for its interventions on matters affecting journalists, particularly welfare initiatives.
Members specifically acknowledged the Council’s efforts on health insurance, with one participant expressing appreciation for the initiative and noting that journalists were already benefiting from it.
The Congress called for greater involvement of younger journalists in Union activities and urged the Council to introduce programmes capable of attracting more young practitioners to Congress meetings.
Members also advocated structured mentorship programmes to enable experienced journalists to transfer professional skills, knowledge and ethical values to younger colleagues.
The Congress noted that effective mentorship would help strengthen professionalism and prepare younger practitioners for leadership roles within the media industry
On the state of the nation, the Congress examined issues surrounding the regulation and certification of locally manufactured products.
Speaking during the deliberations, Felix Ojo called for improved coordination and clarity among regulatory agencies, particularly concerning the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
The Congress stressed the need for effective regulation, quality control and consumer protection while urging authorities to ensure that legitimate Nigerian manufacturers are not unnecessarily constrained.
The Congress also focused on the role of journalists in the build-up to the 2027 elections.
Princess Halima Jubril urged practitioners to exercise professionalism and caution in reporting political activities, stressing the importance of verifying information before publication.
inflammatory reports and irresponsible use of social media, urging journalists to allow professional ethics and sound judgment to guide their coverage.
Call for Better Protection of NYSC Members
The Congress commended security agencies for rescuing NYSC members who were reportedly targeted while travelling to their orientation camp.
It, however, called for stronger security arrangements to protect corps members travelling to and from their places of deployment.
Members stressed that the safety of NYSC participants and other young Nigerians should remain a priority for security authorities.
The Congress called on journalists, political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful electoral environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It urged journalists to avoid unverified claims and publications capable of escalating political tensions, while reminding practitioners of their responsibility to provide citizens with accurate and credible information.
The Congress consequently resolved to strengthen professional and ethical standards among members, promote fact-checking, encourage the use of the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, and develop mentorship initiatives for younger journalists.
It further resolved to sustain welfare interventions, promote responsible social media use, discourage cyberbullying and inflammatory content, support credible electoral reporting, advocate improved protection for NYSC members and engage relevant government agencies on issues affecting journalists and society.
The NUJ FCT Council reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, professional journalism, journalists’ welfare, ethical standards and the public interest.
