In a virtual meeting held on August 9, 2024, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), presided over by the President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, MFR, made several key resolutions.
The NEC extended the deadline for defaulting State Councils to remit their 2023 Professional Fees and Check-Off Dues until December 31, 2023.
State Councils yet to effect payments for 2024 were given a six-week extension. As a result, the tenure of the current Central Working Committee (CWC) was extended until the Triennial Delegate Conference. However, NEC emphasized that aspirants who fail to meet their financial obligations within the stipulated period would not benefit from the extension.
The NEC adopted November 28-30, 2024, as the dates for the forthcoming Triennial Delegates Conference, to be held in Owerri, Imo State. A nine-man Credentials Committee was constituted, with Comrade Michael Ikeogwu as Chairman and Comrade Ademu Seidu as Secretary, to ensure a credible and transparent election process.
Addressing the state of the nation, the NEC urged President Bola Tinubu to tackle critical issues affecting Nigerians and condemned the violence that marred recent hunger protests. “Security personnel must exhibit enlightened professional composure during such events,” the NEC stated, while also calling on journalists to prioritize their safety.
The NEC strongly criticized the recent invasion of the Nigeria Labour Congress headquarters by security forces, describing it as a “Gestapo act” that threatens democratic institutions. The Council also urged state governors to expedite the implementation of the new minimum wage and take proactive measures to curb food inflation.
Finally, the NEC unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, MFR, and the Central Working Committee for their exemplary service to the Union.