The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, urges journalists and media organisations to prioritise fact-checking, accuracy and professional ethics in their coverage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council makes the call at its October 2026 Congress in Abuja, where members deliberate on issues affecting journalists, the media and the country.
The NUJ FCT Council warns journalists against publishing unverified political information, inflammatory reports and content capable of misleading the public or escalating tensions.
It also urges journalists to give all relevant parties a fair opportunity to respond to allegations and comply with the NUJ Code of Ethics.
“Journalists should exercise caution and professionalism in their coverage of political activities,” Princess Halima Jubril tells the Congress.
She cautions journalists against cyberbullying, inflammatory publications and the misuse of social media platforms, urging them to allow professional ethics to guide their coverage.
NUJ asks members to use internal dispute mechanism
The Congress urges journalists to use the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee when resolving professional and ethical disputes involving fellow practitioners.
Members express concern over cases where journalists take disputes directly to security agencies and other external institutions without first exhausting the Union’s internal mechanisms.
The Congress says the committee provides an established platform for handling complaints and disagreements in line with NUJ procedures.
Council backs stronger protection for NYSC members
The Congress also calls on security agencies to strengthen measures protecting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling to and from their places of deployment.
Members commend security agencies for their efforts in rescuing corps members reportedly targeted while travelling to their orientation camps.
They say the safety of corps members and other young Nigerians must remain a priority for relevant authorities.
NUJ seeks stronger mentorship for younger journalists
The Congress calls for greater participation of younger journalists in Union activities and urges the FCT Council to introduce initiatives that attract more young practitioners to Congress meetings.
Members also advocate structured mentorship programmes through which experienced journalists can transfer professional knowledge, skills and ethical values to younger colleagues.
The Congress says stronger mentorship will help develop the next generation of journalists and improve professionalism in the industry.
Congress commends Grace Ike-led council
Members commend the FCT Council leadership under Chairperson Grace Ike for its interventions on journalists’ welfare, including ongoing efforts to improve access to health insurance.
One member tells the Congress that journalists are already benefiting from the council’s intervention on health insurance.
NUJ raises concerns over regulation of local products
The Congress also raises concerns over the regulation and certification of products manufactured in Nigeria.
Speaking on the issue, Felix Ojo calls for greater clarity and coordination among regulatory agencies, particularly the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
The Congress stresses the need for effective regulation, quality control and consumer protection while urging authorities to support legitimate Nigerian manufacturers.
The NUJ FCT Council says journalists, political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders must work towards a peaceful 2027 electoral process.
It urges members to provide citizens with accurate and credible information to enable them to make informed decisions.
The Congress resolves to strengthen professional ethics, responsible social media use, welfare initiatives, mentorship and balanced coverage of the 2027 elections.
It also reaffirms the council’s commitment to press freedom, journalists’ welfare, professional journalism, ethical standards and the public interest.
