By Sharon Emephia, Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has expressed concern over several socio-economic challenges affecting residents of the territory and Nigerians at large, including persistent water scarcity, rising fuel prices and the delayed implementation of the new minimum wage.
The concerns were contained in a communiqué issued at the NUJ FCT Council Congress held on Saturday in Abuja, where members deliberated on issues affecting the welfare of citizens and the general state of affairs in the country.
In the communiqué, the union lamented the continuous increase in the price of fuel, noting that the development has worsened the cost of living for many Nigerians.
Congress urged the Federal Government to urgently introduce measures that would help cushion the economic hardship currently being experienced by citizens.
The union also expressed concern over the prolonged scarcity of potable water in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory, warning that the situation could lead to outbreaks of communicable diseases if not addressed promptly.
It therefore called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of the Minister of the FCT, to take urgent steps to restore regular water supply across the territory.
On electricity, Congress decried the persistent problem of irregular power supply across the country, particularly within the FCT, and urged relevant authorities to take decisive actions to stabilise electricity supply in order to improve productivity and the quality of life of residents.
The journalists also noted with concern that the new minimum wage approved for Federal Government workers since last year is yet to be fully implemented.
Congress called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the implementation process in order to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by workers.
The union further raised alarm over the resurgence of refuse heaps in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory, urging the FCTA to ensure the prompt evacuation and proper management of waste to prevent possible disease outbreaks and maintain environmental sanitation.
On environmental issues, Congress expressed concern over increasing cases of deforestation within the FCT, particularly the indiscriminate cutting down of Melina trees.
The union called on government authorities and residents to encourage tree planting and promote environmental conservation as part of efforts to mitigate the rising heat waves currently being experienced across the territory.
The journalists also expressed concern over the increasing number of mentally ill persons roaming the streets of the Federal Capital Territory.
Congress urged the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant agencies to take immediate steps to rehabilitate and provide necessary care for such individuals in the interest of public safety and human dignity.
In addition, the union raised alarm over the increasing activities of criminal elements operating “one chance” robbery syndicates across parts of the FCT.
It called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, security agencies and other law enforcement authorities to intensify security operations and adopt new strategies to tackle the menace and ensure the safety of residents and commuters.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies and actions that promote good governance, public welfare and sustainable development.
It also called on relevant government authorities to treat the highlighted issues with urgency in the interest of the health, safety and wellbeing of residents of the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerians at large.