May 04, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, has called for decisive and sustained action to improve the safety and welfare of journalists, stressing that a secure and well-supported media workforce is critical to national development, transparency, and democratic stability.
In a statement commemorating the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, the NUJ Vice President, Zone B, Ronke Afebioye-Samo, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Shaping a Future of Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,” reinforces the need for a resilient and independent press as a pillar of peace and progress.
The global event, organised by UNESCO in collaboration with the Government of Zambia, is scheduled to hold in Lusaka from May 4 to 5, bringing together global stakeholders to advance press freedom and media sustainability.
Afebioye-Samo noted that World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993, serves not only to promote press freedom but also to assess its state globally, defend journalists from attacks, and honour media professionals who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
She urged governments to uphold Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression and access to information, noting that these rights remain essential to inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Highlighting developments in Nigeria’s South-West, the union pointed to growing concerns around the safety of journalists, particularly during elections, protests, and communal conflicts. It called on security agencies and state authorities to strengthen protection mechanisms, promptly investigate reported cases, and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
At the same time, the NUJ emphasised that ongoing engagements with stakeholders, including government institutions and civil society organisations, are yielding increased awareness on the need to protect media practitioners and uphold professional standards.
On the evolving media landscape, the union acknowledged the transformative role of artificial intelligence in modern journalism, while cautioning against its misuse in spreading disinformation.
It disclosed plans to intensify training and capacity-building initiatives to equip journalists with digital verification skills and ethical tools needed to navigate emerging challenges such as deepfakes.
The statement also drew attention to the welfare of journalists, identifying improved remuneration, timely payment of salaries, and access to insurance as critical areas requiring urgent attention.
It noted that better welfare conditions would enhance professionalism, reduce vulnerability to external pressures, and strengthen the credibility of the media.
In addition, the NUJ reiterated the importance of full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, stressing that improved access to public data would boost investigative journalism, promote accountability, and support national development goals.
Despite the absence of a physical gathering this year, the NUJ Zone B reaffirmed its commitment to advancing press freedom through continuous training programmes, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the media ecosystem.
The union maintained that a free, safe, and sustainable press remains indispensable to peace, good governance, and socio-economic development, urging all stakeholders (government, media owners, and citizens) to work collectively to protect and promote press freedom in Nigeria.
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