By Sharon Akuboh
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has called on journalists and media organisations to uphold the highest standards of professional and ethical journalism as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its October 2026 Congress held in Abuja, where members deliberated on issues affecting the welfare of journalists, the Union, the nation and the practice of journalism.
The Congress, which focused on the State of the Union and State of the Nation, urged members to exercise caution in the gathering, verification and publication of political information, particularly content capable of inflaming tensions, misleading the public or undermining peaceful democratic participation.
According to the communiqué, Congress emphasised the need for journalists to fact-check information before publication and to give all relevant parties a fair opportunity to respond to allegations.
Congress reiterated the importance of strict adherence to the NUJ Code of Ethics, encouraging members to ensure that their reports are accurate, balanced, fair and in the public interest.
On professional disputes, Congress expressed concern over the tendency of some members to take disputes involving fellow journalists directly to security agencies and other external institutions without first exhausting the Union’s internal mechanisms.
It therefore urged members to make use of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Council in resolving professional and ethical disputes, noting that the committee provides an established platform for addressing complaints in accordance with the principles and procedures of the Union.
Congress through Chairman Emeritus, Malachy Uzendu, Esq also acknowledged the efforts of the FCT Council leadership under the chairmanship of Comrade Grace Ike, particularly its interventions on issues affecting members, including ongoing efforts on health insurance and other welfare matters. He also Hailed the Executive for the Massive Building Project ongoing. And Called on Members to Support the Executives.
A member at the Congress was said to have expressed appreciation to the Council for its intervention on health insurance, noting that members were already benefiting from the initiative.
On youth participation, Congress called for greater involvement of younger journalists in Union activities and urged the Council to develop initiatives to attract more young practitioners to Congress meetings. Members also advocated structured mentorship programmes through which experienced journalists can transfer professional knowledge, skills and ethical values to younger members.
On national issues, Congress expressed concern over the regulation and certification of locally manufactured products in Nigeria. Speaking on recent developments, Felix Ojo was quoted as calling for greater clarity and coordination among relevant regulatory agencies, particularly questioning the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in ensuring that locally manufactured products meet required standards.
The Congress stressed the importance of effective regulation, quality control and consumer protection, while encouraging policies that support legitimate Nigerian manufacturers.
On the 2027 elections and professional responsibility, Princess Halima Jubril was said to have urged journalists to exercise caution and professionalism in coverage of political activities, stressing the importance of fact-checking before publishing reports to avoid exposing themselves or their organisations to avoidable legal or professional difficulties.
She also cautioned journalists against cyberbullying, inflammatory publications and misuse of social media platforms, urging them to allow professional ethics to guide their coverage.
Congress commended Nigerian security agencies for their efforts in rescuing members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reportedly targeted while travelling to orientation camp, expressing concern over attacks on young Nigerians participating in the national service and calling for stronger measures to protect corps members travelling to and from places of deployment.
It further called on journalists, political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful electoral environment ahead of the 2027 polls, urging journalists to avoid unverified claims and publications capable of escalating political tensions.
At the end of deliberations, Congress resolved to strengthen adherence to professional ethics and responsible journalism, encourage fact-checking of all political and sensitive reports, promote use of the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee.
Develop mentorship initiatives for younger journalists, sustain welfare interventions including health insurance, encourage responsible use of social media, promote balanced and credible coverage of the 2027 electoral process, encourage stronger protection for NYSC members and other vulnerable citizens, and promote effective regulation and quality assurance of Nigerian-made products.
Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to press freedom, professional journalism, journalists’ welfare, ethical standards and the public interest.
The communiqué was signed by Princess Joy Idam, Gift Chapi Odekina and Funke Ishola of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.