The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its intention to collaborate with media stakeholders to negotiate a standardized salary structure for practicing journalists across the country.
The NLC also strongly criticized the arbitrary abduction and detention of journalists by security agents, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society.
During a courtesy visit to the national headquarters of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero highlighted the neglect faced by journalists despite the risks and sacrifices they undertake in nation-building.
He lamented the lack of advocacy for journalists’ welfare and called for serious attention to be given to insurance coverage due to the inherent risks in the profession.
Ajaero emphasized the crucial role journalists played in the fight for the restoration of Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.
He acknowledged the advancements in technology that have made journalism more accessible but expressed concern over the deteriorating security and welfare conditions for journalists.
The NLC president appealed to the NUJ to collaborate with the labor movement in finding solutions to the challenges faced by journalists.
He proposed the establishment of a consultative platform to periodically negotiate a minimum wage or industry salary benchmark for journalists, categorized by employment sector (federal government, states, and private sector).
Furthermore, Ajaero deplored how the NUJ was relocated from its former office in the nation’s capital and called for efforts to reclaim the premises.
He expressed the NLC’s willingness to work with the NUJ leadership to address the problems and challenges afflicting the industry.
Regarding recent incidents involving security agents and journalists, Ajaero emphasized the importance of preserving press freedom.
He advocated for journalists who violate the law to be prosecuted through legal means rather than being subjected to abduction.
NUJ National President, Mr. Chris Isiguzo, welcomed the NLC president and his delegation, expressing gratitude for addressing key challenges faced by the media profession in Nigeria.
Isiguzo discussed the need for media regulation, particularly about the emergence of online media outlets and the negative impact some of them have on the industry.
He mentioned the NUJ’s proposal to establish a National Ombudsman for the media to regulate the profession and address issues of poor remuneration.
In summary, the NLC aims to collaborate with media stakeholders to establish a uniform salary template for journalists, while condemning the arbitrary detention of journalists by security agents.
The NUJ supports the idea of a National Ombudsman for media regulation and seeks to address challenges related to remuneration.
