By Cynthia Talatu Batuta
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called on the Federal Government to provide adequate compensation for Nigerians who suffered losses during xenophobic attacks in South Africa, just as it advocated the establishment of a comprehensive compensation framework for victims of kidnapping across the country.
The position formed part of resolutions reached at the Council’s Monthly Congress held at the NUJ FCT Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, where journalists deliberated on pressing national and local issues affecting citizens’ welfare, security and environmental sustainability.
The Congress expressed concern over the recurring xenophobic violence against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, lamenting that many victims continue to grapple with the loss of property, physical injuries and emotional trauma despite previous intervention efforts by the Nigerian Government.
The Council urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with the South African authorities to ensure justice for affected Nigerians through appropriate compensation and the recovery of lost properties. It also pledged to sustain media advocacy aimed at keeping the plight of victims in the public consciousness.
On the nation’s security situation, the Congress decried the persistent wave of kidnappings involving students, teachers and other innocent citizens, stressing that beyond rescue operations, victims and their families deserve institutional support to aid their recovery. It also called for appropriate welfare packages for security personnel who risk their lives during rescue missions.
The Council further voiced concern over what it described as the indiscriminate felling of mature trees across the Federal Capital Territory without corresponding replacement, warning that such practices undermine environmental sustainability and efforts to combat the impact of climate change.
It therefore urged the FCT Department of Parks and Recreation, alongside the Development Control Department, to strictly enforce policies that ensure every felled tree is replaced while strengthening measures to preserve Abuja’s green landscape.
The Congress also drew attention to the increasing number of destitute persons and street beggars across the nation’s capital, urging the FCT Social Development Secretariat to move beyond temporary interventions by implementing sustainable rehabilitation and empowerment programmes capable of addressing the root causes of homelessness and street begging.
Another major concern raised by the Council was the alleged harassment and intimidation of residents by individuals posing as government task force officials. Delegates cited a disturbing incident witnessed by one of its members on the way to the Congress, where suspected task force operatives reportedly stopped a vehicle, ordered a sick passenger to disembark and drove the vehicle away.
Describing the incident as unacceptable, the NUJ called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and relevant security agencies to investigate the activities of such operatives, identify those genuinely authorised to enforce government regulations and prosecute anyone found impersonating government officials or abusing citizens.
The Council also expressed concern over the security implications associated with the growing population of street beggars in Abuja. It recalled an incident near the ECOWAS Secretariat in Asokoro where a journalist was reportedly confronted while attempting to photograph a group of beggars and only escaped the situation after the arrival of an official convoy.
While urging authorities to address the issue decisively, the Congress emphasised that any intervention should uphold the dignity and fundamental rights of vulnerable persons.
Reaffirming its commitment to national development, the NUJ FCT Council pledged to continue championing press freedom, promoting good governance, supporting policies that enhance national security, encouraging environmental protection and advocating initiatives that improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The communiqué was endorsed by members of the Communiqué Drafting Committee—Olakunle Awoniyi, Princess Halima Jubril and Naomi Sharang—and authenticated by the Secretary of Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle.
.